Post by Okwes on Dec 22, 2005 22:04:36 GMT -5
The Patriot Act is set to expire at the end of the month and a revamped
version of the legislation contains language to protect tribal
sovereignty, according to a Chickasaw Republican lawmaker.
"As the only enrolled tribal member in Congress, the issue of tribal
sovereignty is of great personal importance to me,” said US Rep. Tom
Cole, R-Okla. "Tribes have entered into numerous intergovernmental
agreements with states to address tax concerns--I believe it is
important not to interrupt these established, working contracts. The
language in the final legislation will protect these agreements and
tribal sovereignty."
Cole said he used his position on the Rules Committee to insist that
language safeguarding tribal sovereignty was included in the bill when
it passed in the House earlier this year.
He said the additions would protect tribal tax and regulatory authority
as well as any agreements entered into between tribes and states
regarding the collection of taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in
Indian Country.
The law, which expands the power of the federal government, was passed
following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
President Bush has urged the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass
the new version.
"In the war on terror, we cannot afford to be without this law for a
single moment,” Bush said.
version of the legislation contains language to protect tribal
sovereignty, according to a Chickasaw Republican lawmaker.
"As the only enrolled tribal member in Congress, the issue of tribal
sovereignty is of great personal importance to me,” said US Rep. Tom
Cole, R-Okla. "Tribes have entered into numerous intergovernmental
agreements with states to address tax concerns--I believe it is
important not to interrupt these established, working contracts. The
language in the final legislation will protect these agreements and
tribal sovereignty."
Cole said he used his position on the Rules Committee to insist that
language safeguarding tribal sovereignty was included in the bill when
it passed in the House earlier this year.
He said the additions would protect tribal tax and regulatory authority
as well as any agreements entered into between tribes and states
regarding the collection of taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in
Indian Country.
The law, which expands the power of the federal government, was passed
following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
President Bush has urged the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass
the new version.
"In the war on terror, we cannot afford to be without this law for a
single moment,” Bush said.