Montana's two U.S. Senators are supporting federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana), the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, introduced S.161, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act, over a year ago. Sen. John Walsh (D-Montana), who was just appointed to the Senate, plans to sign onto the bill.

"You can count on me to be a supporter of yours in Washington D.C., I guarantee it," Walsh, who is filling the remainder of the term of former Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana), told tribal leaders, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

The Obama administration said it won't oppose the bill even though the tribe was denied recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That decision, however, is being reconsidered.

Get the Story:
Senators discuss tribe and post office (The Great Falls Tribune 2/19)

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