SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski have announced the Senate's passage of H.R. 663, known as the Native American Child Protection Act, which is set to become law. The bill, alongside two others, will proceed to the House for further consideration before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.

Senator Schatz emphasized the committee's productivity over a four-year period, stating: “We had the committee’s most productive 4-year period ever, passing over 2 dozen bills into law. And just this month, we passed another 12 bills in the Senate that are waiting for action in the House.” He highlighted that these legislative efforts translate into "real, tangible benefits for Native communities everywhere."

Vice Chairman Murkowski praised the bipartisan efforts of the Indian Affairs Committee: “The Indian Affairs Committee continues to show that through good, bipartisan work we can continue to address the priorities that matter most to Indigenous communities.” She noted that passing these bills marks progress toward improving safety and healthcare disparities in Native communities.

H.R. 663 was introduced by Representative Gallego and serves as a companion to S. 2273 led by Senator Lujan with support from Senator Collins. It aims to provide direct funding for Tribes to address child abuse issues by reauthorizing programs at IHS and BIA initially established by Senator McCain in response to verified reports of abuse in federal Indian boarding schools.

In addition, S.465 introduced by Senator Cortez Masto seeks revisions in federal policies concerning missing or murdered Indians and BIA law enforcement shortages. Another bill, S.3022 also introduced by Cortez Masto addresses staffing issues at IHS facilities by allowing part-time clinicians access to scholarships or loan repayment programs.