The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs is assembling a rule-making committee to implement a law that allows for easier self-governance for Native American tribes and is seeking public comments on the matter.
The Practical Reforms and Other Goals to Reinforce the Effectiveness of Self-Governance and Self-Determination for Indian Tribes Act of 2019 (PROGRESS Act) was signed into law on Oct. 21, 2020. The proposed “Negotiated Rulemaking Committee” will be integral in the act’s implementation, according to a release by the Department of the Interior. The PROGRESS Act will amend Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which is the department’s self-governance law. The amendment will align it with the self-governance law of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, known as Title V.
“The creation of this committee is a critical step in the implementation of the PROGRESS Act, and the continued improvement of the tribal self-governance program, which lies at the heart of the United States’ Nation-to-Nation relationship,” said Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Bryan Newland.
Newland’s position advises the Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs policies and oversees programs involving the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Trust Funds Administration and the Office of Self Governance. He also consults with tribes and serves as a liaison within the executive branch on matters involving tribes in the United States.
The department requests the public comment and provide recommendations about proposed membership in the committee. Additional nominations for committee members will also be accepted, the release said.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is accepting public comments until Dec. 24. Comments can be sent to consultation@bia.gov or by mail to Designated Federal Officer, Vickie Hanvey, Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4660, Washington, DC 20240.
