Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources hosted its first field hearing of the 119th Congress in Oklahoma City, with 12 members of Congress attending.

"The House Committee on Natural Resources remains committed to working with federally recognized tribes and amplifying tribal voices. Today's field hearing was a special opportunity for the committee to gather at the First Americans Museum and hear directly from tribal leaders on ways to improve and adapt federal policies for the 21st Century. Thanks to the Oklahoma delegation for hosting us in their home state, and I look forward to continuing today’s conversations back in the Capitol." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"I was glad to join Chairman Westerman and the Natural Resources Committee in Oklahoma today to discuss such an important issue for our community.” - U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.)

"It was great to have the Natural Resources committee in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma is home to more than three dozen federally recognized Native American tribes, and they provide pivotal resources to their communities and the state through partnerships. During this hearing, we amplified the voices of our tribal leaders and discussed the last fifty years of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act." - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.)

Background

Since the 1970s, the U.S. has implemented a policy of self-determination for Indian tribes and enacted legislation to support self-determination contracts and self-governance compacts with the federal government, allowing tribes to operate certain federal programs that serve their members. In 1975, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act was enacted, and over the past 50 years, many tribes have exercised greater self-determination through the authorities provided under this act.

The current federal policy of self-determination for tribes has enabled many tribes to take on programs, functions, services and activities previously provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service and, ultimately, provide services to tribal members in a better, more efficient and locally tailored manner.

Today's hearing garnered record attendance for a Natural Resources Committee field hearing, with 12 members of Congress from across the country in attendance and eight tribal witnesses offering testimony. The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs has held hearings and advanced legislation to improve the Indian Healthcare System, investigate misconduct at a Bureau of Indian Education-operated university, improve public safety in tribal communities, unlock the economic potential of tribal lands and more. The committee remains committed to continuing this work in the 119th Congress. 

Learn more here.