The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a field hearing on the Crow Reservation in Montana last week. Photo from Flickr

Today marks the 100th day of the 114th Congress and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) is highlighting the work of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

Barrasso took over the committee in January after Republicans won control of the Senate. Since then, the panel has held nine hearings -- including two on reservations -- and has advanced nearly a dozen pieces of legislation affecting health, energy, youth and other issues.

“The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has made real progress on bills that will help improve the lives of the people across Indian Country,” Barrasso said in a press release. “We’ll continue to move forward with our positive agenda that is focused on jobs, energy and natural resource development, health care, education and tribal self-governance. I’m grateful for all of our Committee members’ dedication, hard work, and continued commitment throughout the 114th Congress.”

So far, none of the committee's bills have become law. But Barrasso's efforts, along with those of other members, led to the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians on Wednesday.

Additionally, just this afternoon, the Senate confirmed Jonodev Chaudhuri, a member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Barrasso had made the nomination a priority since taking over the committee.

The committee's next scheduled hearing on April 22 will focus on transportation in Indian Country. S.248, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, is on the agenda for the following week although the date hasn't been officially confirmed.

Committee Notice:
Tribal Transportation: Pathways to Safer Roads in Indian Country (April 22, 2015)

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