WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), passed the following two bills at its business meeting:
· S. 2417, the Tribal Veterans Health Care Enhancement Act; and
· S. 2916, a bill to provide that the Pueblo of Santa Clara may lease for 99 years certain restricted land, and for other purposes.
During the business meeting, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the SCIA, highlighted what each piece of legislation intended to accomplish.
“In December of last year, Senators Thune and Rounds introduced S. 2417,” said Chairman Barrasso. “The committee held a hearing for S. 2417 on May 11, 2016. This bill allows the Indian Health Service to cover the cost of copayments for an American Indian or Alaska Native Veteran who has been referred by the IHS and is receiving medical care or services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“On May 11, 2016, Senators Udall and Heinrich introduced S. 2916. The committee held a legislative hearing on the bill on May 18, 2016. This bill would amend the Long Term Leasing Act and authorize the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Ohkey Owingeh to lease their restricted fee lands for up to 99 years.”
Click here to watch the entire business meeting in full.
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