Senate hearing on jails, schools and health facilities

Friday, February 29, 2008  

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee is holding an oversight hearing next Thursday, March 6, on the condition of jails, schools and health facilities in Indian Country.

The Interior Department's Inspector General has released reports that have highlighted inadequate conditions at detention facilities and schools on reservations. The Department of Justice and the Government Accountability Office also have reported on overcrowding at jails and the backlog of construction at Bureau of Indian Affairs schools.

The hearing will take place at 10am in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building. A witness list hasn't been released.

Committee Notice:
OVERSIGHT HEARING on “The State of Facilities in Indian Country – jails, schools, and health facilities.” (March 6, 2008)

Inspector General BIA School Report:
Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education: Schools in Need of Immediate Action (May 2007)

Inspector General Final Jail Report:
Text | PDF

Department of Justice Jail Reports:
Year 2002 | Year 2001 | Year 2000 | Years 1998-1999

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

BIA working on study of detention centers (9/7)
Report warns of serious dangers at BIA schools (7/17)