Hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee - Trust Modernization and Reform for Indian Lands

Hearing

"Before we begin, I'd like to mention the Senate's passage yesterday of S. 286, the Department of Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2015 last night. I believe this to be a great step forward for Indian Country.

"S. 286 is a common sense bill supported by tribes across the country and by the Administration. It will give tribes a better opportunity to advance the policy of tribal self-governance, reduce Federal bureaucracy and promote accountability.

"I want to thank Senator Tester, Vice-Chairman of this committee, and other cosponsors and all members of this Committee for their work to get S. 286 through the Senate. Now, I call on our colleagues in the House of Representatives to act quickly so we can send this important bill to the President for signature.

"Today the Committee will hold an oversight hearing entitled A Path Forward: Trust Modernization and Reform for Indian Lands.

"It's time that we take a new look at the status quo by breaking free from old mindsets and burdensome processes, and finding a path forward together.

"For far too long, Indian lands have been tied up in bureaucratic red tape that hinders tribes' sovereignty over their land and ability to lead their people into a prosperous 21st century.

"It's time to reform the outdated rules and regulations that are tying the hands of tribes striving for greater respect, independence, and success.

"Outdated Indian land policies must be modernized to encourage local cooperation, economic development, and freedom from excessive Federal intervention for the betterment of Indian Country.

"Tribes are ready, willing and able to direct the management of their lands and affairs.

"We must support those tribes working to do this, so they can actually achieve robust self-determination.

"It's about time for Federal policy to catch up with modern times.

"One of those changes in policies has to do with eliminating, downsizing or transferring duties from Office of Special Trustee to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

"It is clear that the Office of Special Trustee was never meant to be a long term office at the Department of Interior.

"As it stands, there is a duplication of efforts within Interior that's burdensome, confusing, and costly.

"I will note that the Committee invited the heads of both key offices to testify today, yesterday Interior decided against sending Special Trustee Vince Logan.

"So Assistant Secretary Washburn will be testifying on behalf of the Department about the role of the Office of Special Trustee.

"I think this underscores some of the questions we will hear today about whether the Office of Special Trustee has outlived its purpose.

"There also needs to be a common sense and streamed lined approach with regard to taking land into trust.

"I appreciate the administration's on-going efforts in this regard, but we can do better.

"In each Session since the 111th Congress, a member from this Committee has introduced legislation calling for a "clean fix" to the Supreme Court's Carcieri decision.

"It is clear from past efforts there are no shortcuts. I know from the Carcieri Roundtable I hosted earlier this year that more work needs to be done to cross the finish line.

"I look forward to working with the Committee to craft a winning solution for Indian Country."

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