Senator Lankford Introduces Bill To Reduce Illegal Drug Use On Tribal Lands

Press Release

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the introduction of the KIDS Act, a bill to help reduce illegal drug use on Tribal lands. KIDS Act (S. 1984) stands for "Keeping out Illegal Drugs Act of 2015.' Specifically, the bill would prohibit Indian tribes and tribal organizations that cultivate, manufacture, or distribute illegal marijuana on Indian land from receiving any federal funds. Currently,some tribes around America are experimenting with various forms of illegal marijuana cultivation.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Native Americans are more likely than any other ethnic group in the United States to die from drug-induced deaths. And according to the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Office of Tribal Affairs, the rate of substance dependence or abuse among people aged 12 and up is 14% higher among the Native American population than among other ethnic groups in America.

"During an Indian Affairs Committee hearing last week, we heard testimony about the devastating effects of illegal drugs in Indian Country," said Lankford. "The Native American community experiences the highest drug induced death rate in the country. It is important for our nation to help address this issue for the sake of the next generation of Native Americans. This legislation is a good step in trying to protect young tribal members and fulfill our Trust responsibility to Native Americans."

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