House Republicans have inserted a rider into an intelligence bill that would waive the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the sacred site executive memorandum in connection with the construction of a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Reps. Doug Ose (R-California) and David Dreier (R-California) added the language. They say it will allow quick construction of the border fence. The National Congress of American Indians opposed the rider, saying it could damage burial grounds.

The rider specifically excludes, among others, NAGPRA, the sacred sites memo, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act and the executive order on environmental justice.

The rider passed the House on October 8 by a 256-160 vote.

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House GOP Backs Easing Laws for Border Fence (The Washington Post 10/26)
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