Officials from Connecticut say Congress must step in to fix the "broken" federal recognition process.

Gov. Jodi Rell (R) urged the state's delegation to act after an internal investigation concluded that the Bureau of Indian Affairs acted appropriately in the case of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. The state opposes the tribe's recognition.

State attorney general Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said Congress needs to create an independent entity to handle recognition. The idea has been around for several years but has not moved forward.

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado), who once endorsed a separate agency, introduced a bill to keep recognition within the BIA and make reforms there. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has approved the bill but it has not seen action in the House.

Get the Story:
Probe clears Bureau of Indian Affairs (The Hill 9/9)

Relevant Documents:
Devaney Letter | Gov. Rell Letter | Schaghticoke Briefing Paper

Relevant Links:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation - http://www.schaghticoke.com

Related Stories:
Probe finds no wrongdoing in BIA recognition case (09/01)
Inspector General investigation called 'bunch of b.s.' (09/01)
Tribal leaders question changes in BIA leadership (08/18)
Anderson urged to take greater control of BIA (08/16)
Top-level aides in BIA Washington office removed (08/13)
Schaghticoke recognition to go before review board (06/04)
Critics take BIA to task over federal recognition (05/06)
Recognition briefing paper at heart of latest feud (05/05)
Martin attacked for federal recognition decision (05/04)
Blumenthal criticized for 'all-out war' on tribes (04/30)
BIA critical of main components of recognition bill (04/22)
BIA official warns of Congressional maneuvering (04/16)
House committee takes up recognition process (3/31)