Political Quotes

“I rise to speak on S. 3234, the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2016. For years, Indian communities have experienced serious socio-economic challenges. Unacceptably high rates of unemployment, remote locations, and a lack of infrastructure are just a few of the problems affecting either the quality of life for Indian people or the ability to build strong sustainable economies. The Federal programs available to facilitate or create economic opportunities are not structured to effectively target these communities. The Federal bureaucracy underlying various programs also inhibits economic growth as well. The Committee on Indian Affairs, which I chair, has conducted several hearings, listening sessions, and a roundtable on economic development. The primary concerns from Indian tribes, business owners, and tribal organizations have largely focused on access to capital. The Federal mechanisms for increasing available capital that have been used by Indian tribes or businesses to some degree include loan guarantees, tax credits, tax-exempt bond financing, community development financial institutions, CDFIs, and procurement programs. This bill is intended to address several of these mechanisms by amending four key Federal laws affecting Indian communities: Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000; Native American Programs Act; Indian Trader Act; and the Buy Indian Act.…”