Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune today entered a statement in the Congressional Record applauding the $50 million increase in tribal public safety funding, but expressed disappointment that these additional funds were not directed into the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health. The Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health, which was created by an amendment authored by Senator Thune to a foreign assistance bill last year, is authorized to spend $2 billion on public safety, health, and water projects in Indian Country between 2009 and 2013.
Earlier this year, Senator Thune and a bipartisan group of his colleagues sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee asking for an increase in funding in three different appropriations bills, including the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill currently being debated, specifically for the Emergency Fund. As a result of that letter, $25 million was provided for tribal public safety construction, $25 million for public safety programs authorized by the PEPFAR Emergency Fund, and $50 million for tribal water settlement, but no funding was allocated directly into the Emergency Fund. While Senator Thune was pleased with the $100 million in increased funding he noted that more could be done if it was deposited directly into the Emergency Fund which would be allocated to the areas of greatest need. Therefore today, he introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill that would redirect $50 million to the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health.
"The Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health is the best way to address the financial shortage that exists in addressing the most pressing public safety, health, and water needs in many tribal communities in South Dakota and across the nation," said Thune. "Increased law enforcement efforts in tribal communities in South Dakota have yielded positive results, but continued success will be difficult without adequate resources. The public safety crisis that exists in many tribal areas has not been satisfactorily addressed, and acting quickly to put money in the Emergency Fund for Safety and Health is a way to combat the growing crime epidemic."
The Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health authorizes $1 billion for public safety and health projects and $1 billion for water treatment and distribution projects.
Although the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health is authorized to spend $2 billion, Congress must first appropriate money into the Fund. Earlier this year, Senator Thune offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill that would have directed money into the Fund, but it was defeated in a procedural vote. Last month, Senator Thune led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending letters to the heads of the relevant cabinet departments that requested an update on the specific plans federal agencies are developing to allocate the $2 billion.
Senator Thune is also an original cosponsor of the Tribal Law and Order Act, which would increase prosecutions of violent crime in Indian Country, improve training and education for reservation police, empower tribal courts, and foster cooperation between federal, state, and tribal authorities. Senator Thune has been active in working with tribal leaders and members to gather comments and suggestions about the bill.
Earlier this year, Senator Thune and a bipartisan group of his colleagues sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee asking for an increase in funding in three different appropriations bills, including the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill currently being debated, specifically for the Emergency Fund. As a result of that letter, $25 million was provided for tribal public safety construction, $25 million for public safety programs authorized by the PEPFAR Emergency Fund, and $50 million for tribal water settlement, but no funding was allocated directly into the Emergency Fund. While Senator Thune was pleased with the $100 million in increased funding he noted that more could be done if it was deposited directly into the Emergency Fund which would be allocated to the areas of greatest need. Therefore today, he introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill that would redirect $50 million to the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health.
"The Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health is the best way to address the financial shortage that exists in addressing the most pressing public safety, health, and water needs in many tribal communities in South Dakota and across the nation," said Thune. "Increased law enforcement efforts in tribal communities in South Dakota have yielded positive results, but continued success will be difficult without adequate resources. The public safety crisis that exists in many tribal areas has not been satisfactorily addressed, and acting quickly to put money in the Emergency Fund for Safety and Health is a way to combat the growing crime epidemic."
The Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health authorizes $1 billion for public safety and health projects and $1 billion for water treatment and distribution projects.
Although the Emergency Fund for Indian Safety and Health is authorized to spend $2 billion, Congress must first appropriate money into the Fund. Earlier this year, Senator Thune offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill that would have directed money into the Fund, but it was defeated in a procedural vote. Last month, Senator Thune led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending letters to the heads of the relevant cabinet departments that requested an update on the specific plans federal agencies are developing to allocate the $2 billion.
Senator Thune is also an original cosponsor of the Tribal Law and Order Act, which would increase prosecutions of violent crime in Indian Country, improve training and education for reservation police, empower tribal courts, and foster cooperation between federal, state, and tribal authorities. Senator Thune has been active in working with tribal leaders and members to gather comments and suggestions about the bill.