Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) plans to introduce a bill that would change government contracting programs for tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

McCaskill claims Alaska Native shareholders aren't benefiting from large contracts to their corporations. Her bill will end all preferences for tribal, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian businesses.

"I would oppose and fight any legislation that strips Alaska native corporations, Indian tribes and native Hawaiians of the contracting preferences afforded to them," she said. "We must reform the program to ensure it works the way it was intended," Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told The Washington Post.

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) also said he will oppose the bill.

Get the Story:
Alaska native corporations under scrutiny (The Washington Post 10/8)
Senator to propose bill to strip Native firms of contracting edge (AP 10/8)

Related Stories:
Alaska Native firms propose government contracting reforms (10/4)
Alaska Native corporation drops bid to take over troubled firm (10/4)
WaPo: Alaska Native shareholders unhappy with corporate deal (10/1)
WaPo: Alaska Native shareholders not reaping contract benefits (9/30