Takai Helps Lead Introduction of the Native Children's Commission Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) released the following statement after helping lead the introduction of a bill to create a Commission on Native Children -- H.R. 2751, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act:

"For far too long the federal government has failed to provide for one of our most at-risk population -- American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children," said Takai. "Native children across the country continue to be affected by child abuse, poverty, mental health issues, and lack of educational opportunities. While steps have been taken in the past to address this issue, a consistent problem has been the lack of accurate data to analyze how we can provide optimum assistance for these keiki. The creation of a Commission on Native Children will help us to determine how to best equip Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and American Indian children for the future. I would like to extend a warm mahalo to Senator Heitkamp, Senator Murkowski, Congresswoman McCollum, Congressman Cole, and Congressman Denham for their commitment to passing this bipartisan measure."

"For decades, the federal government has failed to stand up for the needs of Native youth, but working together across the aisle and in both the Senate and House, we're working to change that," said U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota). "We took a giant leap two weeks ago when the Senate passed my bill -- and the message was clear: Now is the time to reverse the status quo and address the gaping challenges Native youth face. But the story is only half-written. Last week, leaders from both sides of the aisle in the House of Representatives united to introduce my bill to create a Commission on Native Children. We must build on this momentum by moving this bill forward to make sure our federal government works with tribes, so we can give every American child the fighting chance at success that they deserve."

"This Commission is an opportunity for the federal government to strengthen our role as trustees of the education, social service, juvenile justice, and health care systems that serve Native children," said Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04). "Native American youth from across the nation will bring their voices to bear as advisors to the Commission on the challenges they face and the supports they need. The disparities these young people face demand our focused attention and our best solutions to support the future of tribal nations and our nation as a whole."

"As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I was raised to appreciate, remember and embrace my Native American heritage," said Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04). "Throughout my life, I have carried that with me and sought to provide a voice for tribes as a lawmaker in the House. Along with Rep. Betty McCollum, I am pleased to help introduce a vital piece of legislation that lends a voice and means a great deal to future generations of Native Americans. Through formation of a commission that studies the needs of Native children and federal benefits currently received or lacking, the House companion to Senator Heidi Heitkamp's bill rightly seeks to improve the livelihood of Native American children and helps the federal government keep its trust responsibility."

The bill would create a congressionally selected Commission to identify and study the complex challenges in care for at-risk American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. The Commission would analyze programs, grants, and resources and recommend how they could operate more effectively and efficiently. The Commission would then issue a report to Congress highlighting persistent challenges