U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to advance a variety of priorities for Montana’s tribes, including the federal recognition of the Little Shell tribe, TLOA, and SURVIVE Act, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act
The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act grants the Little Shell Tribe of the Chippewa federal recognition. Daines reintroduced the bill earlier this year. Quote below:
“It’s long overdue that the Little Shell Tribe receives federal recognition. I’m pleased with this progress today and I’ll continue to push with my colleagues to finally get this done so the people of Little Shell receive the recognition and support they deserve,” Daines said.
Daines also voted to advance two public safety bills, TLOA and the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE). In 2017, Daines introduced the SURVIVE Act. Quote below:
“Right now we have a crisis in Indian Country battling a tragic epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous people. We’re also seeing meth continuing to destroy tribal families and communities across Montana and the nation. These two bills provide important tools to tribes and law enforcement agencies that will help prevent crimes, protect victims, and keep communities in Indian Country safe,” Daines said.
The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act would clarify that the definition of “employers” in the National Labor Relations Act includes federally-recognized tribal governmental employers on tribally-owned land. Daines introduced the bill yesterday. Quote below:
“For far too long, the federal government has infringed on the rights of our tribes in Montana. It’s time the government gets out of the way, and empowers tribes to determine their own destiny and create good-paying jobs for their citizens,” Daines said.
Statements of Support on Daines’ effort to move TLSA and the SURVIVE Act:
“We commend Senator Daines for his support of the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. The TLSA would provide parity for all Indian tribes by ensuring that tribal government employers have the same opportunities as all other governmental employers to regulate labor relations with their government workforces. This legislation builds upon a principle that has been amply demonstrated by tribes across the country – when tribal sovereignty is respected and acknowledged, opportunity and economic success follows.” – Harlan Baker, Chariman, Chippewa Cree Tribe
For a letter of support from Rynalea Pena, President, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, click HERE.
Next, the bills will move to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a full Senate vote. For a full list of bills advanced today, click HERE.
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