Several members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee are sponsoring a bill to extend the Indian Law and Order Commission for another year.

The commission was created by the Tribal Law and Order Act. Its members are looking at ways to improve public safety in Indian Country.

The Tribal Law and Order Act became law in July 2010 but the commission didn't receive funds until August 2011. That means the members haven't had as much time to complete their work.

“An extension will allow the commission time to meet its goals as envisioned by the Tribal Law and Order Act,” Sen. Daniel Akaka, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said in a press release.

Akaka introduced S.2090 on Thursday. It has 10 co-sponsors, representing both parties.

“Vice Chairman Barrasso and I stand united in offering this bill to extend the Indian Law and Order Commission," Akaka noted. "We know that Indian policy often transcends party lines and that when we work together our efforts are stronger because of it."

The commission has held several meetings since receiving federal funds. Extending its work won't require additional resources.

“The commission has energetically engaged in its important work, but we have much more to do,” said Troy A. Eid, the chairman of the Indian Law and Order Commission. “The Tribal Law and Order Act is already improving the quality of justice in Indian Country and helping to save lives and property. Extending the commission's duration for another year, so that we can complete our work in the two years that the act originally intended, would require no new funding or any Congressional appropriations."

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Press Release: SENATOR DANIEL K. AKAKA INTRODUCES BILL TO STRENGTHEN TRIBAL LAW AND ORDER ACT (SCIA 2/19)