Committee Passes Barrasso and McCain Bill to Spur Economic Development in Tribal Communities

Press Release

Today, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), and committee member Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) praised the committee's passage of S. 3234, the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2016.

"I am glad the committee has acted expeditiously on a bill that will boost economic growth in tribal communities," said Chairman Barrasso. "Our bill is the product of listening to tribal leaders, organizations, and entrepreneurs. It will increase opportunities to invest in Indian communities, improve access to capital, and promote Indian businesses. I will work with my colleagues in the Senate to see this important legislation passed soon."

"This legislation is important to incentivizing infrastructure development and boosting job creation across rural parts of Indian Country, and particularly areas like the remote Bennett Freeze of the Navajo reservation‎," said Senator McCain. "By making important updates to existing law such as the Buy Indian Act, our legislation would go a long way in enhancing economic opportunity for Native Americans."

The legislation will improve access to capital in tribal communities by amending and improving existing law, including:

* the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism

Act of 2000;

* the Native American Programs Act of 1974; and

* the Buy Indian Act.

Source