Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) participated in a hearing with the House Committee on Natural Resources to discuss his bill, H.R. 4524—the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would improve hiring and increase retention for tribal law enforcement officers in order to better protect native communities, increase law enforcement presence in all rural communities, and help address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIW).
Watch Rep. Newhouse’s opening remarks HERE or read excerpts as prepared below:
“Chairwoman Hageman and Ranking Member Leger-Fernandez, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak at today’s hearing as a guest and for all the vital work you do on behalf of Indian Country.
“I am here today to introduce the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as on behalf of my legislation H.R. 4524 – the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act which is included in today’s legislative hearing.
“H.R. 4524 aims to improve hiring and increase retention for tribal law enforcement officers to better protect native communities and help address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
“Across the country, and especially in Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, many tribes have serious problems recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement officers who serve on reservation land. Often times this is a result of training limitations, the bureaucratic nature of credentialling tribal officers, and sub-par pay.
“This often leaves tribal communities with an inadequate law enforcement presence. The consequences of this can be fatal as tribal communities work to combat the opioid crisis, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls crisis, and protect their families and local businesses.
“H.R. 4524 will fix this issue by classifying tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers for the purposes of federal benefits and pensions amongst several other provisions.
“It has strong bipartisan and organizational support. Back in July, I introduced this legislation with Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) and Rep. Davids (D-KS). And, today, this legislation boasts 14 bipartisan cosponsors and 9 tribes and Native American organizations who support it.
“One of these supporters is the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Today, they are represented by Chairman Jarred Erickson who is a resident of Nespelem, Washington.
“Welcome, Chairman Erickson. And, thank you for attending this legislative hearing and most importantly for always being willing to work with my office on policy issues important to Indian Country.
“Your support of H.R. 4524 has been essential in moving it through the legislative process and I look forward to hearing your testimony on it here today.
“I also look forward to hearing the testimony of all the other witnesses here today.
To learn more and watch the full hearing, click here.
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