The House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing this morning on H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009.

The committee heard from five witnesses who said counterfeit goods are hurting the $1 billion Indian art market. They asked Congress to strengthen the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 by authorizing "any" federal law enforcement officer to investigate suspected violations of the law.

The hearing lasted about 72 minutes. Audio files can be downloaded below:

• Opening Statements

Panel 1 - Testimony/Q&A
The Honorable Ed Pastor

Panel 2 - Testimony | Q&A
Mr. Larry Parkinson, Deputy Assistant Secretary Law Enforcement, Security & Emergency Management
U.S. Department of the Interior

Panel 3 - Testimony | Q&A
The Honorable Shan Lewis, President
Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc

Mr. Jewell James, Policy Advisor
Lummi Indian Nation

Mr. Michael "NaNa Ping" Garcia, President
Indian Arts & Crafts Association

Committee Notice:
Full Committee Legislative Hearing On H.R. 725 (December 2, 2009)

Related Stories:
Witness List: House hearing on Indian Arts and Crafts (12/1)
House Resources hearing on Indian Arts and Crafts (11/30)