Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

DAVID W. HILL PRINCIPAL CHIEF

DEL BEAVER SECOND CHIEF

Statement from Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill On Key Components of U.S. Congress’ Spending Bill

OKMULGEE, Okla. – “We in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are encouraged by the action that Congress took today on two fronts vital to our role in contributing to the safety and security of all people within the boundaries of our reservation. We applaud Congress for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and for committing resources to support the investments tribal nations are making to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s sovereignty-affirming McGirt ruling.

“Through expanded jurisdictional authority and new funding, the VAWA reauthorization provides important tools to help us and other tribal nations throughout the United States pursue justice for and provide support to Indian women who are victims of violent crimes, including domestic abuse, committed by non-Indians. As well, the Act creates new jurisdictional authority for us to prosecute non-Indians who assault Indian law-enforcement officers.
“We continue to make significant investments to expand our criminal-justice infrastructure to fully implement McGirt as it adds more safety, security and judicial resources for all. We welcome Congress’ recognition that decades of illegal actions by the State of Oklahoma have created the need to expand tribal capacity and are grateful for the addition of vital funding to support these efforts as an extension of the federal government’s trust authority and responsibilities to tribal nations.

“We are thankful to Oklahoma’s delegation for their leadership on these important issues that deliver benefits to tribal citizens and everyone who lives in Oklahoma.” – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill

THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION

918. 732.7600 I 800.482.1979 I MuscogeeNation.com