Senator Daniel K. Akaka Applauds Senate Passage of the Tribal Law and Order Commission Extension

Press Release

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, applauded the passage of the Tribal Law and Order Commission Extension (S. 2090), which passed the Senate by unanimous consent tonight.

The role of the Commission is to assess implementation of the Tribal Law and Order Act and to recommend additional ways to strengthen public safety for people living in Indian Country. Although the Commission was approved for a period of two years in 2010, it was not funded until August 2011. As a result, the Commission has only had one year to complete its assessment on the Tribal Law and Order Act. The bill, which Senator Akaka introduced on February 9, 2012, extends the term of Indian Law and Order Commission for an additional year.

"The Commission's recommendations have already strengthened law enforcement and brought justice for people living on reservations and in surrounding communities. Allowing the Commission to continue its mission will further increase safety and provide the two-year timeframe originally intended by the Congress at no cost to taxpayers," said Akaka.

"I am glad that the Senate stood united today and passed this important bill. The unanimous support that this bill received demonstrates the Senate's bi-partisan commitment to improving public safety in Indian Country."

Vice Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Senators Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Max Baucus (D-Montana), Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota) Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Mark Begich (D-AK) are co-sponsors.

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