Rep. Nick Rahall: Helping tribes with economic recovery and growth

Monday, February 7, 2011  

"With the convening of the 112th Congress, I became the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. Although I have left the Natural Resources Committee after having served there for more than 30 years, I intend to remain an active supporter of Native issues.

We had many accomplishments under my leadership as chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. During the past four years, Congress, with your help, permanently reauthorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and enacted the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 and the Claims Resolution Act of 2010, resolving the Cobell v. Salazar and four water-rights settlements, into law. Additionally, the Democratic-led House of Representatives passed a legislative fix to the Carcieri v. Salazar litigation, several native-recognition bills as well as the tribal self-governance bill.

Together, we can continue to achieve more successes during this Congress and beyond. The Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure plays an important role in Indian country with jurisdiction over several agencies and laws that impact Native Americans on a daily basis. Our jurisdiction extends to the Economic Development Agency, Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard, to name a few. The Committee is about encouraging economic development—by improving the Nations’ infrastructure and through the programs implemented by the Economic Development Administration. With your help, I intend to use my leadership on the Committee to assist Native Americans on their road to economic recovery and growth."

Get the Story:
Nick J. Rahall: Challenges and Needs in Indian Country (Indian Country Today Media Network 2/2)