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Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is frustrated with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In remarks published in The Sullivan County Democrat, he says he's been waiting for the BIA to act on a land-into-trust application for more than a year. The agency hasn't kept it promises, he says, blaming it on the lack of a permanent assistant secretary.

�I am told it is proceeding along. A timeline is worthless," he was quoted as saying. "There has not been an active head for a year and a half. They need a head. We need an appointment now. Things keep changing. I am frustrated. [The BIA] is the �Department of No Straight Answers.�"

Schumer added: �There is no permanent leader. They need someone with authority. It will happen. It is a question of when. It will not happen overnight.�

Currently, Aurene Martin is acting as assistant secretary. Neal McCaleb resigned late last year.

The Bush administration has not named a replacement but tribal sources say one is pending.

Schumer Says Future Looks Good (The Sullivan County Democrat 7/29)

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