House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today applauded the passage of H. J. Res 80 to fund the Bureau of Indian Affairs by a bipartisan vote of 233-160.

“While House Republicans continue to offer solutions to end this government shut down, we will also continue to take steps to provide funding for important areas of the government. This measure fulfills the Congress's unique responsibility to fund programs vital to Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. There are 56 million acres of Indian trust lands in the United States. Unlike other privately owned lands, in most cases Indian trust lands may not be leased for development purposes without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. These lands are critical for Indian tribes to create jobs and generate revenue for their reservation economies.

“The President repeatedly stresses the importance of the United States' unique relations with Indian tribes. He now has an opportunity to match such rhetoric with action, by supporting the passage of this resolution and signing it into law. House Republicans remain committed to good-faith negations with the President and I hope we can work together to find a solution and end this government shutdown.”

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