[YouTube: Sen. Grassley doesn't think Native Americans can hold fair trials]

The National Congress of American Indians denounced Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for comments he made about tribal courts.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was one of 22 Republicans who voted against S.47, a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. He opposed provisions to recognize tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit domestic violence offenses on reservations.

“Senator Grassley is wrong and it’s fear mongering at best. This video clearly shows the misinformed rhetoric and fear-based language being used by those who have an ill-conceived notion about the constitutionality of the tribal provisions, tribal courts, and the protections developed in VAWA to ensure victims and defendants are provided their constitutional rights," said NCAI Vice President Juana Majel-Dixon.

"No American, Native Americans included, in pursuit of delivering justice for all should ever be denigrated in this way, it’s inexcusable,” added Majel-Dixon, who also serves as co-chair of NCAI's Task Force on Violence Against Women.

Grassley is the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Four tribes are based in Iowa or have trust land in Iowa.

Get the Story:
Press Release: NCAI Responds to Senator Grassley’s Video Comments on VAWA Tribal Provisions – “Fear Mongering” Must End (NCAI 2/22)

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