Reps. Gallego and LaMalfa Lead Bipartisan Call for Appointment of a Native American Affairs Expert at the Congressional Research Service
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), ranking member of the House Natural Resources Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), chair of the subcommittee, led a bipartisan letter to the Director of the Congressional Research Service requesting immediate appointment of a Native American Affairs expert. 29 Members of Congress signed on to the request.
"It is critical that Members of Congress have access to readily available experts who can monitor legislative developments and quickly provide information and analysis on the unique challenges and opportunities of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples," the group wrote.
The Library of Congress currently employs around 600 policy experts, attorneys, librarians and support personnel who specialize in various disciplines, but none in the well-established field of Federal Indian law and policy.
"Tribal Affairs expertise is vital for enabling Members to understand and assess the complex dynamics shaping the unique relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes and make informed policy decisions," the letter said.
The full letter can be found here.
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