Torres, Haaland Introduce Bill to Enhance Self-Reliance, Fight Poverty in Indian Country
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) introduced the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2019 to support Indian Country's ability to become more self-reliant and help reduce the persistent poverty and unemployment that plague Indian Country.
"Across the country, Native American entrepreneurs are ready to start new businesses, create jobs, and lift up their communities," said Torres. "For too long, lack of access to credit and community development have hampered tribes' entrepreneurial spirit. This bill is a first step to change that, and I'm pleased to work with my colleague Congresswoman Haaland to introduce this important legislation."
"We all know that economic development is key to self-determination, but often times the system doesn't work for Native communities. So, we're introducing a bill to create more paths to success to jump start economic development in Indian Country," said Haaland, Co-chair of the Native American Caucus.
Specifically, the bill would
- Elevate and fund the Department of Commerce's Office of Native American Business Development;
- Ensure effective implementation of the Buy Indian Act within the Departments of Interior and Health and Human Services;
- and reauthorize the Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant program administered by the Administration for Native Americans.
The Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2019 was first introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). The legislation has been endorsed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, Native American Contractors Association, National Congress of American Indians, Native American Gaming Association, Native American Finance Officers Association, Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund.