Hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee - Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015

Hearing

"Today the Committee will examine S. 248, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015. This bill was introduced by Senator Moran, along with Senators Crapo, Daines, Fischer, Hoeven, Inhofe, Lankford, Risch, Thune and Rounds.

"Tribal sovereignty is an essential key to enhancing tribal self-determination and self-governance. Tribal sovereignty allows Indian tribes to govern themselves, regulate tribal businesses, and provide essential services to tribal Members. Tribal sovereignty brings hope for a brighter future.

"We are in an era of empowering tribes. This policy is evident in Federal statutes such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act of 1975 and Title V of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 -- to name a few.

"Congress has worked to reverse government policies that have been detrimental to tribes. That is why I, and the sponsors of S. 248, have strong concerns about how the National Labor Relations Board is treating Indian tribes across our country.

"The National Labor Relations Board decision to apply the National Labor Relations Act to Indian tribes has increased costs and uncertainty, which can hinder tribal business growth.

"The bill before us, would amend the National Labor Relations Act so that a tribally owned and operated enterprise or institution would be treated like any other federal or state-owned corporation."

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