We want to thank you for your focused efforts to bring an end to human trafficking and violence against women and children in Indian Country.

I think one of the points that I am trying to make is that listening to you all, we are worried about whether you are usurping executive authority, but you are almost acting like a first judicial review of the regulation.

I have known Josh for a long time, fairly long time, and while he is a tremendous legislator he is an even better person.

I do not know why they are doing it that way. I mean, it seemed clear when we passed it.

Except in order to augment those Article I powers, you had to pass a constitutional amendment which is the point that I am trying to make.

This is always a challenge because there are two functions, right? There is the oversight function, which we, as legislators, all believe is absolutely critical.

I will be introducing the Prove It Act, which seeks to strengthen the voice of small businesses in the rulemaking process.

But on the other side is this question of separation of powers, and whether, in fact, the Legislative Branch, being so critically involved... results in a breach of that all-important separation of powers doctrine.

If anyone has been following this Committee, they know that frequently I ask about the intersection between Federal regulation and State regulation.

I am encouraged that today's hearing comes just three weeks after my bill was introduced and I hope we can continue this momentum as we move to get this bill through the Committee and up to the full Senate for a vote.

The U.S. government has a federal trust responsibility and legal obligation to safeguard not only the Treaties, but to ensure all citizens of the United States have equal access to justice and the right to live a life free from violence.

We thank you, Senator Heitkamp for your dedication and that of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs...

S. 1942, a bill to direct the AG to review, revise and develop law enforcement and justice protocols appropriate to address missing and murdered Indians

I urge Congress to move quickly in order to rectify the data collection gaps and provide tribal leadership and local law enforcement with the resources needed to protect Indigenous women, and bring justice to those who have perpetuated…

I think we need to do more to support our Native communities.

I think it is important to know what your clearance rate is.

We owe a unique and specific burden to Native American women.

We have kind of a joke on this side. We say what happens in the Indian Affairs Committee stays in the Indian Affairs Committee.