INDIANZ.COM LISTENING LOUNGE Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on "The Success and Shortfall of Self Governance under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act after Twenty Years." May 13, 2008. • Opening Statements Panel 1 • Testimony | Q&A • Witness List

Tribal leaders urged the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Tuesday to strengthen and expand the self-governance program.

Congress created the program 20 years ago as a pilot project. It's now become a successful tool for tribes to manage Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service programs.

But tribal leaders said they still encounter funding shortages and bureaucratic red tape. They also said they need the ability to manage non-BIA and non-IHS programs that affect their people.

The Bush administration, however, opposes legislation that would do just that. Jim Cason, the associate deputy secretary at the Interior Department, outlined some legal objections during his testimony.

Get the Story:
Tribe leaders seek more autonomy (The Billings Gazette 5/14)

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Senate hearing on 20 years of self-governance (5/13)