Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Tribal Law and Order Act as an amendment to H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act. I applaud the hard work and diligence of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin, for introducing this legislation; and I thank my good friend, Tom Cole, who has been working hard and well on this legislation.

As co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, I know that this legislation is desperately needed. The Federal Government is obligated through various treaties with Indian tribes to provide public safety, yet it has failed in this duty for far too long.

Mr. Speaker, violence on Indian reservations is 2.5 times higher than the national average. It is estimated that one in three native women will be raped or sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Only 3,000 tribal law enforcement officers cover over 56 million acres of land in Indian Country.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will impose enhanced sentencing guidelines, provide for more evidence-sharing between Federal agencies, and enhance Federal accountability. It will also provide for more law enforcement officers and increased access to training at State and tribal police academies.

Mr. Speaker, finally, this legislation will reauthorize funding for tribal courts, jails and juvenile detention centers. The Senate passed the same legislation through with bipartisan support. I strongly urge my colleagues to do the same and pass this critical piece of legislation.

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