A Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest
NALU: September 2012 - VAWA Stalled, Cobell Case Appealed, Special Diabetes Program, Food and Agriculture Grants, and More
Native American Legislative Update: September 2012
This week, we celebrate the 18th anniversary of the signing of the first authorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. But Congress still has not agreed on a final version of a bill to reauthorize this important legislation, certain provisions of which affect Native American women.
Four class members in the Cobell v. Salazar class action law suit are appealing the $3.4 billion settlement finally approved by Congress last year for the federal government's mismanagement of Native American assets held in trust.
The Special Diabetes Program for Indians will expire in September 2013, and sponsors are seeking reauthorizing legislation this fall to assure the program’s stability and the continued success.
A series of grants have been awarded to eleven Native American and Alaskan Native tribes for projects intended to improve tribal food systems and economic conditions in their communities.
- Information from Tribal Law and Order Commission available online.
- The Democrats and Republicans have released their political platforms on Native American issues.
- President Obama has nominated a new Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
- The Department of the Interior has released an updated list of federally recognized tribes.
