June 12, 2008

Senators Release Discussion Draft of Indian Law and Order Bill

WASHINGTON DC –
Discussion Draft – Indian Law and Order Bill
During the 110th Congress, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has held four hearings and convened a number of listening sessions and meetings to discuss the growing concern of violent crime on Indian reservations. These hearings and meetings confirm what many Indian country residents have known for some time: many tribal communities are in the midst of a public safety crisis.
On November 7, 2007, Chairman Dorgan released a concept paper consisting of comments and recommendations from Indian tribal governments to address this crisis. Committee staff solicited further comments and recommendations from interested parties.
Today, the Committee released a discussion draft of a bill to restore law and order in Indian country by providing a variety of new tools and accountability measures to address the public safety concerns facing Indian country. A link to view the draft bill is listed above. Committee contact information is also listed in the link above for purposes of submitting comments on the draft bill.
Thank you for your time and interest in this difficult issue.
On Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 9:30am, the Indian Affairs Committee will hold a legislative hearing to examine this bill and receive testimony from a variety of experts on the issue. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the draft bill and to hear a variety of analysis from tribal, federal, and state and local government interests.

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