SW Arkansas Times

Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources convened its inaugural field hearing of the 119th Congress in Oklahoma City, drawing participation from 12 members of Congress. The event took place at the First Americans Museum, offering a platform for tribal leaders to discuss federal policies' improvement and adaptation for the present century.

"The House Committee on Natural Resources remains committed to working with federally recognized tribes and amplifying tribal voices. Today's field hearing was a special opportunity for the committee to gather at the First Americans Museum and hear directly from tribal leaders on ways to improve and adapt federal policies for the 21st Century. Thanks to the Oklahoma delegation for hosting us in their home state, and I look forward to continuing today’s conversations back in the Capitol," stated House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman.

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas also expressed his views: "I was glad to join Chairman Westerman and the Natural Resources Committee in Oklahoma today to discuss such an important issue for our community."

Representative Stephanie Bice, emphasizing Oklahoma's role, remarked, "It was great to have the Natural Resources committee in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma is home to more than three dozen federally recognized Native American tribes, and they provide pivotal resources to their communities and the state through partnerships. During this hearing, we amplified the voices of our tribal leaders and discussed the last fifty years of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act."

The hearing focused on the policy of self-determination for Indian tribes, which began in the 1970s. The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, enacted in 1975, has allowed tribes to administer specific federal programs serving their members, enhancing efficiency and local relevance. This federal policy enabled tribes to manage programs previously under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service.

The hearing was notable for record attendance in a Natural Resources Committee field hearing, with testimonies from eight tribal witnesses. The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs has previously advanced legislation to address various issues, including improving the Indian Healthcare System and public safety in tribal communities.

The committee plans to continue this work into the 119th Congress.