JOHNSON LEADS BILL TO ESTABLISH CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER FOR AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS

Statement

Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV). NAIV is a nonprofit organization on the Cheyenne River Reservation with a mission to advocate for tribal veterans. According to VA estimates, in 2021 there were more than 150,000 Native veterans in the United States.

While Congressional Charters have been established for Polish American, Italian American, Jewish, and Black veterans' groups, currently, no Native veterans' organization has received a Congressional Charter.

"The NAIV has served the needs of tribal veterans across the nation for decades," said Johnson. "When South Dakota's Native veterans came to me with a request for a Congressional Charter it was a no-brainer. Native Americans serve our armed forces at some of the highest rates in the country, it makes sense that they have this recognition and representation in Congress. I am grateful for the NAIV's dedication to tribal veterans benefits and for their input on tribal policy throughout the years."

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