O'Halleran Sees Tribal Rights Bill Pass House, Introduces New Legislation to Repeal Outdated Laws Targeting Native Americans

Press Release

WASHINGTON -- Tonight, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) joined colleagues in the House of Representatives in voting to pass his Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act: bipartisan legislation to bring the Blackwater Trading Post near Coolidge, and owned by the Gila River Indian Community, into trust status.

"Blackwater Trading Post has been an important community site for the Gila River Indian Community for over a hundred years; they have every right to this land, and it is my honor to build upon the efforts of many in the Community to bring them into trust," said O'Halleran, following the vote. "I was humbled to be able to re-introduce this legislation and I am thrilled to move forward with bipartisan, bicameral support."

"Today's passage of the Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act by the House of Representatives is an important step towards enactment of this legislation," said Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis. "The Gila River Indian Community deeply appreciates Congressman O'Halleran making this legislation a priority and the support of the entire delegation. The Community looks forward to swift action by the Senate so this culturally-important parcel can be taken into trust for our members residing in District 1."

The legislation is supported by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

Today, O'Halleran also announced the re-introduction of his bipartisan legislation to repeal hostile, outdated laws intended to discriminate against Native Americans.

With Congressmen Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL) and Tom Cole (R-OK-04), O'Halleran re-introduced the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act: bipartisan legislation to repeal outdated laws relating to Native American education, forcible relocation of Native American children to boarding schools, and withholding monies and resources owed to Native American tribes.

"While we can never erase the hundreds of years of persecution, humiliation, and hostility Native peoples faced at the hands of our government, it is our responsibility to address the lasting damage the federal government has inflicted and to work towards repairing the trust of sovereign tribal nations," said O'Halleran. "I am proud of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure we demonstrate the respect Native Americans deserve by repealing outdated laws that serve as a tragic reminder of generations of pain."

"It's no secret, America's past is flawed," said Johnson. "We have come a long way as a nation, but there is always room to improve. Repealing these archaic laws is one way we can show Indian Country the dignity and respect it deserves. I'm confident we can get this bill across the finish line this Congress."

"While dark chapters in our history cannot be erased, I am encouraged that the RESPECT Act would do away with some discriminatory policies toward Native Americans that are still written in federal law," said Cole. "Though no longer enforced, these laws are a painful reminder of the past suffering and poor treatment experienced by Native Americans. This legislation is a recognition to tribes to right historical wrong and remain vigilant in ensuring these things don't happen again. I am proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to introduce this important legislation."

This bill is the House counterpart to S.789, introduced by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and James Lankford (R-OK).

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