The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a business meeting on Thursday to consider pending legislation.

Three bills were on the agenda. All three were approved:

• S.J. Res.14, the Native American apology resolution. The committee did not hold a hearing on the apology during the 111th Congress. The apology was approved with no discussion yesterday
• H.R. 1129, a bill to facilitate an Indian iron worker training grant program. The House passed the bill on July 2. The committee did not hold a hearing on the bill. The bill was approved with an amendment that opens up the contract for the program to tribes and tribal colleges.
• S. 443, the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act. The committee held a hearing on the bill on April 2. It was approved after Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) explained some changes to the bill regarding gaming and other issues.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the committee chairman, said the next business meeting is scheduled for September 10. The committee will likely take up several Indian water rights bills, he said.

Committee Notice:
BUSINESS MEETING on pending committee issues (August 6, 2009)

Related Stories:
Indian Affairs Committee meeting and hearing (8/6)
Senate Indian Affairs business meeting agenda (8/5)
Senate Indian Affairs business meeting, hearing (8/3)