Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and one of four tribal citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives, is placing himself on coronavirus self-quarantine until March 27, 2020. His decision comes after being in “extended contact” with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida), who was the first member of Congress to report testing […]

Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) reported testing positive for COVID-19, becoming the second member of Congress to contract the coronavirus. Statement: “On Saturday evening, after returning from Washington, D.C., I developed mild cold-like symptoms. In consultation with my doctor on Sunday, I immediately isolated myself in my home.  I have been conducting all meetings by telephone.  […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020 Hoyer Signs Families First Coronavirus Response Act WASHINGTON, DC – Following passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in the United States Senate, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) signed the enrolled bill to send to the President for his signature. “The House took swift action to […]

03.18.20 Chair Grijalva Pushes for Clarity on Federal Coronavirus Response in Indian Country – Asks for Documentation of Testing Equipment at Tribal Centers Washington, D.C. – Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) today sent a letter to Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, principal deputy director for Indian Health Services (IHS), citing a number of concerns about the […]

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs had scheduled an oversight hearing on March 25, 2020. It’s now being postponed to sometime in “late April,” according to a spokesperson for the Republican majority on the legislative panel. The oversight hearing was scheduled to address President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2021 budget request for Indian Country programs. […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2020 Senators Warren and Udall Unveil Bill to Guarantee Tribal Health Authorities Access to the Strategic National Stockpile Indian Health Service and other tribal health organizations currently lack guaranteed, direct access to federal repository of drugs and medical supplies for emergencies Legislation would allow the Indian Health Service, tribal health […]