DeFazio Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Tribal Self-Determination

Press Release

Today, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to fix the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) to expand tribal self-governance and streamline the contract and compact process.

"This is one of the rarest things in Washington, D.C.--a bipartisan, bicameral bill that is non-controversial. My legislation acknowledges that tribal governments are better suited than the federal government to address and best meet the needs of their communities and will help to remove barriers that interfere with a tribe's ability to self-govern. Congress shouldn't stand in the way of tribes that want to and can effectively self-govern. Tribes have been waiting 10 years for these technical changes and we can get this done today," said DeFazio

DeFazio's legislation will allow tribes to better manage federal programs aimed at tribal housing, law enforcement, social services, and natural resources management.

DeFazio's legislation would make several key changes to streamline ISDEAA and provide certainty for tribes:

Streamlines and expedites the Department of the Interior's process for approving self-governance compacts and annual funding agreements under Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Provides for specific criteria that must be met for the Secretary to reject a tribal request for a self-governance compact or funding agreement.

Provides greater clarity on tribal management of construction projects.

Streamlines the process of negotiating and approving a self-governance compact and annual funding agreement with the Department of the Interior by making it consistent with the already established processes.

Makes clear that this legislation would not interfere with or change the terms of any Congressionally-enacted water settlement.

Is careful to not change current law with respect to the compacting of non-BIA programs.

Cosponsors of DeFazio's bill include Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK), Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA). A virtually identical bill has been introduced in the Senate and is currently moving through the Indian Affairs Committee.

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