Bill Introduced To Combat Trafficking In Communities

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) have announced the bipartisan “Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today Act” to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities.

The “PROTECT Act” would expand Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug trafficking. It would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen strong decisive action to secure the southern border and keep our communities safe. I’m proud to work alongside my bipartisan colleagues to further deliver on our promise to curb the spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl and crack down on crime. Protecting our Native American tribes while upholding and enhancing tribal sovereignty will always be one of my top priorities,” said Daines.

Justin Gray Hawk Sr., chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, said, “The Fort Peck Tribes was one of the first tribes to exercise jurisdiction over non-Indian domestic violence criminals. The PROTECT Act would recognize our jurisdiction over non-Indian drug dealers who come to Indian country because of the gaps in jurisdiction. Drug dealers are devastating our communities, we need all the tools possible to stop this scourge. We thank Sen. Daines for his leadership on this issue.”

Zinke made the statement, “I’ve sat down with tribal leaders across Western Montana, and the devastation of the opioid crisis is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. The PROTECT Act gives Tribal Nations the tools and authority they need to take on the opioid crisis. It’s time we empower tribal courts and law enforcement to protect their communities and save lives.” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said, “I’m proud to support Sen. Daines’ effort to provide Montana’s tribal nations with the tools they need to combat drug trafficking. Leaving our tribal communities without the authority to hold non-Native traffickers accountable makes them a target for the cartels that are bringing deadly drugs, like fentanyl, across the southern border. I hope Congress sends this bill to President Trump for his signature.”