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Indian and Insular Affairs

Committee Advances Tribal, Federal Lands Bills

| Posted in Press Release

Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed bills including H.R. 5655 (Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.), H.R. 5317 (Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash.), H.R. 2591 (Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.), H.R. 221 (Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska), H.R. 4032 (Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz.), and H.R. 4689 (Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb.). “Today’s markup brings us another step forward in being better stewards of…

Committee Passes Bill to Help Rebuild the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Economy

| Posted in Press Release

Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 4731. Introduced by Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), the bill extends the retained use estate for the Caneel Bay resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. “Today I am pleased that my bill H.R. 4731 was passed out of the Natural Resources Committee by voice vote. Caneel Bay is vital to the economic viability of St. John…

Leaders and Experts on Indian Country Issues Express Support for Bill to Advance Tribal Self-Determination, Sovereignty

| Posted in Press Release

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 215, the “American Indian Empowerment Act of 2017.” Introduced by Chairman Emeritus Don Young (R-AK), the bill authorizes federally recognized tribes to lease and regulate their own lands and eliminate federal government restrictions that interfere with economic development. “Today’s…

***Hearing Postponed*** Hearing on Puerto Rico’s Recovery and the Role of the Financial Oversight and Management Board Postponed

| Posted in Press Release

The House Committee on Natural Resources hearing titled “Examining Challenges in Puerto Rico’s Recovery and the Role of the Financial Oversight and Management Board" scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2017 has been postponed until further notice, at a date and time to be determined. 

Bishop Statement on Nomination of Tara Sweeney to Be Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs

| Posted in Press Release

Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Tara Sweeney to be Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement: “Tara Sweeney is a superb choice with decades of experience empowering Indian and Alaska Native communities in the private sector. This nomination signifies the…

Chairmen Send Letters to FBI and FEMA Regarding Allegations of the Misappropriation of Hurricane Aid in Puerto Rico

| Posted in Press Release

Today, Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator William B. “Brock” Long and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray concerning allegations of mishandling and misappropriation of emergency supplies provided by the federal government for the people of Puerto Rico by local government officials. On October…

Chairman, Bishop, Westerman, LaMalfa, Gonalez-Colon Letter to the Honorable Christopher Wray

| Posted in Letters

TO: The Honorable Christopher Wray FROM: Chairman Rob Bishop, Chairman Bruce Westerman, Chairman Doug LaMalfa, Rep. Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon Dear Director Wray: On October 12, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office announced that "[t]he FBI has received numerous complaints of mishandling and misappropriation of emergency supplies provided by the federal…

Chairman, Bishop, Westerman, LaMalfa, Gonalez-Colon Letter to the Honorable William B. "Brock" Long

| Posted in Letters

TO: The Honorable William B. "Brock" Long  FROM: Chairman Rob Bishop, Chariman Bruce Westerman, Chairman Doug LaMalfa, Rep. Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon Dear Administrator Long:  On October 12, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Juan Field Office announced that "[t]he FBI has received numerous complaints of mishandling and misappropriation of emergency supplies…

Bishop Announces Members Forum to Discuss Rescue and Recovery in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

| Posted in Press Release

Today, Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) announced a member forum on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:00 PM to discuss potential legislative actions within the Committee’s judication to reinforce ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Chairman Bishop issued the following statement regarding the Committee’s upcoming…