Coming up: Events and Legislation

Jan 23, 2012

On January 26, NCAI President Jefferson Keel will present "The State of Indian Nations," reflecting on issues important to Indian Country at the beginning of 2012. The address, which will begin at 10:30 eastern time, will outline key priorities for the federal government to consider when working to uphold the federal trust responsibility to tribal nations. Click here for information on how to watch it online.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is about to consider the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) in the first or second week of February. The committee has received and will consider incorporating the amendments proposed by Senator Akaka's SAVE Native Women bill (S. 1763), which was approved by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on December 8, 2011.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved the HEARTH Act (Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home-ownership Act of 2011 -- H.R. 205) in November, 2011, as recommended by the subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. The bill would ease some of the bureaucratic requirements that often hobble residential and economic development in Indian Country. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved a companion measure (S. 703) in July, 2011, but has not yet brought the matter forward for a Senate floor vote.