On the recordDecember 7, 2022
In 2018, the United States Commission on Civil Rights released the ``Broken Promises'' report, a project undertaken at my request to evaluate Federal obligations to Indian Country. Here is a summary. For too long, the Federal Government has failed to live up to its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal nations. As a result, many Native communities lack adequate housing, health facilities, schools, and justice centers. Many lack basic infrastructure--roads, water, and telecommunications--required to deliver needed support services. Congress and the Federal Government have a moral and legal obligation to fulfill the promises that have been made, and that is why I am proud to introduce the Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act, legislation to help reverse the decades-long pattern of systemic funding shortfalls and to strengthen Federal programs that support Indian Country. This bill includes provisions to reaffirm the nation-to-nation relationship between the Federal Government and Tribal nations and to better meet the needs of Native communities. Action is long overdue, Mr. Speaker, and Congress should move swiftly to get this done. ____________________
