Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and his wife Bobbi Barrasso. Photo from Facebook

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, will be delivering a response to the State of Indian Nations today.

The remarks by Barrasso are his first to Indian Country since taking control of the committee in the 114th Congress. He will be speaking after NCAI President Brian Cladoosby delivers the annual address at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Although he has been relatively quiet in recent weeks, Barrasso has indicated that energy and economic development are among his primary concerns. He introduced an Indian bill in the last session of Congress as an update to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 but it didn't get very far under Democratic control.

Indianz.Com SoundCloud: State of Indian Nations

As for the committee, Barrasso has announced the first business meeting and hearing. Both take place next Wednesday -- the meeting will focus on organization while the hearing will focus on priorities from Indian Country.

The State of Indian Nations takes place at 1pm Eastern time today. It will be webcast at http://www.livestream.com/NCAI

Committee Notices:
Organizational Business Meeting (January 28, 2015)
Oversight Hearing on "Indian Country Priorities for the 114th Congress" (January 28, 2015)

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