John Barrasso: Empowering Indian Country in the GOP Congress

During this Congress, the Committee will hold hearings and meet with tribal leaders on how Congress can help empower tribes. We must reverse government policies that work to the detriment of tribes. Based on this discourse, I intend to develop and introduce legislation aimed at cutting red tape to provide a greater opportunity for economic development in Indian country.

The Committee will hold a series of oversight hearings aimed at identifying the many issues impacting tribal development. Many additional issues are poised for and in need of Committee attention. These include housing, education, irrigation, Indian child protection, and substance abuse prevention.

As a doctor, I understand these issues all too well from the two tribes I represent in my home state of Wyoming, the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribe.

The first bill I introduced as chairman is the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self Determination Act. It has six cosponsors and I expect many more members will support us. This bipartisan bill will promote more tribal autonomy and decision making in the energy sector. We are committed to giving the power back to the tribes and not the federal government.