U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman, led a legislative hearing to review Title II of the draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act. The session focused on improving justice, safety, and support for Native children, youth, and families.
“Doing everything we can to ensure public safety in Indian Country is just one of our trust and treaty obligations,” said Vice Chairman Schatz. “I’m glad bipartisan Committee staff worked together to listen and learn from Native communities from across the country, including Hawaii, on how Chair Murkowski’s draft legislation may support their unique public safety needs, particularly for children and families.”
Chairman Murkowski stated, “Native children deserve systems that are responsive, coordinated, and grounded in the strength of Tribal values so that they can thrive. This discussion draft reflects years of work and listening by the Committee and is rooted in the recommendations of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Native Children’s Commission. Today’s hearing showcased the improved outcomes when Tribes have the authority and flexibility to develop culturally grounded services, which this legislation will support for more Native families and communities.”
The proposed legislation establishes a Tribal Advisory Committee on juvenile justice, requires a study by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) on missing American Indian/Alaska Native children, codifies programs such as the Alaska native Victim services program, and provides support for domestic violence prevention initiatives.
The hearing included testimony from various witnesses involved in these issues. In addition to this event, Senator Murkowski hosted a roundtable discussing related legislative efforts stemming from recommendations in The Way Forward Report by the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children. Staff from both senators have held meetings with Tribal leaders and stakeholders to inform the draft legislation.
Written testimony on the discussion draft will be accepted until February 11, 2026 at testimony@indian.senate.gov.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs operates as a standing committee within the U.S. Senate dedicated to issues involving Native Americans. Its responsibilities include oversight of federal policies affecting tribal sovereignty, education, health care, economic development, self-governance for tribes [source], as well as addressing matters relevant to Alaska Natives [source]. Established as a permanent standing committee in 1984 after its original formation as a select committee in 1816 [source], it continues to influence federal policy through engagement with tribal communities.
