WASHINGTON – At the National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session today, Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, outlined initiatives to promote tribal self-determination, economic development and public safety.
“Together, we have advanced initiatives that are important to Indian Country – primarily focusing on jobs and economic development, health care, public safety, housing and veterans,” said Hoeven. “Our past and present accomplishments stand as a testament to the power of better partnership and stronger tribal self-determination.”
During his remarks, Hoeven highlighted initiatives he is championing to build a stronger Indian Country, including:
- The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. The senator is working to pass this legislation, sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), which would ensure tribal governments are treated the same as other sovereigns under the National Labor Relations Act.
- The Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act, which would reduce regulatory burden and encourage Indian tribes and other partners to invest, innovate and create jobs in tribal communities.
- The Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act, which would expand critical resources for Indian victims of crime by requiring a 5 percent allocation from the Crime Victims Fund be provided to Indian tribes through a grant program.
- The Tribal Law and Order Reauthorization and Amendments Act, which would reauthorize and strengthen several key programs to improve tribal justice and public safety in Indian communities.
- Legislation to amend and enhance the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The senator intends to introduce legislation to provide Indian tribes with greater flexibility to plan, conduct, consolidate and administer federal programs for their communities.
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