And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Content-Base: "http://www.indiancountry.com/Natl32.html" Miller loses bid for Indian subcommittee By David Melmer Today staff Northern Plains Bureau > > WASHINGTON, D.C. - A proposed subcommittee to the House Resources Committee that could increase support and hearings for American Indian issues has been nixed by the Republican majority on the committee. > > Congressman George Miller, D-Calif., asked that a subcommittee to handle issues affecting American Indians be formed in the 106th Congress. However during organization of the committee Jan. 19 failed to address the issue. > > Failure to create the subcommittee minimizes forums available to Indian country for hearings, research leading to the creation and debate on bills on issues of importance to Indian country, according to Miller's staff. > > "We believe that a dedicated subcommittee would provide the needed resources to effectively address the problems faced by Native Americans," Miller said in a letter to Congressman Don Young, R-Alaska, chairman of the Resources Committee. > > The last time a subcommittee was part of the Resources Committee was during the 103rd Congress. Miller was chairman. That session saw 69 bills that resulted in 20 public laws go through the subcommittee. "Many of the issues then continue today," Miller said. "These matters are among the most important that the committee considers as they directly affect the day-to-day lives and the general health and welfare of Native Americans. > > Miller pointed out that legislation that made self-governance permanent for BIA programs in the 103rd Congress needs to be extended to the Indian Health Services. He also mentioned reforms in trust fund management began in the 103rd Congress, but added, additional legislation is needed. > > Because of American Indian issues the committee is expected to face this session, Miller argued that a subcommittee should at least be formed. He said the committee will deal with issues from water rights to federal recognition. > > He said the Senate Committee On Indian Affairs, funded and staffed to deal with the issues that face Indian country, is the equivalent of the Resources Committee. > > There are 28 Republican members of the House Resources Committee and 24 Democrats. According to staff members, Miller's letter was not circulated within the Democratic caucus, therefore it was signed by only six members. Miller, Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, D-American Samoa; Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.; Dale Kildee, D-Mich.; Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, and Tom Udall, D-Colo., all signed the letter asking Young to form the subcommittee. > > &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
