Facebook Twitter Email
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2002

A subcommittee of the House Committee on Government Reform will hold a hearing February 7 to discuss a bill to reform the federal recognition process.

The bill was authored by Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.). Simmons is not a member of the committee.

The bill boosts funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs staff that handle recognition petitions from $900,000 to $1.8 million. It also creates an "impact fund" for communities affected when a tribe is recognized.

The hearing is before the Energy Policy, Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs subcommittee. Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb, who opposes taking away recognition duties from the department but supports fixing problems, is expected as a witness.

Get the Story:
Capital panel to focus on recognition (The Norwich Bulletin 1/29)
Hearing planned on bill on Indian tribes' recognition (The New London Day 1/29)

Get Recognition Bills:
Rep. Simmons (H.R.3548 )
Rep. Faleomavaega (H.R.1175)
Sen. Campbell (S.504)
Sen. Dodd (S.1392)

Relevant Links:
Energy Policy, Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs subcommittee - http://www.house.gov/reform/reg/index.htm
Rep. Rob Simmons - http://www.house.gov/simmons
Branch of Acknowledgment and Research - http://www.doi.gov/bia/ack_res.html

Related Stories:
Editorial: Praise on recognition push (1/28)
Hearings on recognition bill planned (1/16)