All seven members of Connecticut's Congressional delegation are asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs not to make changes to the federal recognition process.

The lawmakers say the changes will allow certain groups in Connecticut to win federal recognition even though their petitions were previously rejected by the BIA.

"The motive is a mystery. Why would they want to revive this period of costly and painful conflict?" Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), who led opposition to the tribal petitions when he was the state's attorney general, told The Harford Courant. "Why would they want to be engaged in a fight with our delegation?"

The BIA is taking comments on the proposed changes until September 25.

Get the Story:
Delegation Opposes Tribal Recognition Plan (The Hartford Courant 8/30)

Federal Register Notice:
Procedures for Establishing That an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe (June 26, 2013)

Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leaders Letter
Present Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe
Red Lined Proposed Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe

Related Stories:
Connecticut leads opposition to federal recognition reforms (8/26)
BIA extends comment period on federal recognition proposal (08/13)