The House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs held a hearing this morning on H.R.1548, the Native American Energy Act.

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the chairman of the subcommittee, introduced the bill on April 12. The measure speeds up federal review of energy projects and implements reforms affecting appraisals, leasing and other activities on Indian land.

Mike Black, the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, was the sole witness. Young called the hearing because he said the Obama administration refused to testify when a similar version of the bill came up last year.

"This bill was written by the tribes," Young said during the hearing. "I didn't write this bill."

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, expressed anger at the Obama administration's opposition to nearly every aspect of the legislation. He questioned Black's commitment to tribal self-determination

"I really do believe if I had your attitude," Mullin, who is one of only two Native Americans in the House, told Black, "my chief would be in my office and he might just actually try to spank me."

Young adjourned the hearing after about an hour due to a vote on the House floor.

Committee Notice:
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1548 (April 26, 2013)

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House Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee hearing (4/22)