Sens. Schatz and Murkowski Become Chairman and Vice Chair of Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Last week, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) were unanimously elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Schatz highlighted his goal of continuing the committee’s bipartisan traditions in taking up important issues to American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. 

“This Committee is unlike any other,” stated Schatz. “On a bipartisan basis, it has always committed itself to the solidarity of Native people in Indian Country, in Alaska, and in Hawaii.”

“Through languages, cultures, and knowledge systems, Native communities across the country have contributed in so many ways to our shared American history,” he continued. 

As Vice Chairman and a long-time member of the Committee, Murkowksi emphasized her continued support of tribal communities by “promoting economic recovery through job creation and workforce development; increasing public safety and law enforcement; enhancing health care access; addressing overcrowding and housing issues; and developing better infrastructure and broadband capabilities for Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and American Indians.”

“Today, our federal trust responsibility to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians remains true, and should be the guiding light in our services on this Committee,” said Schatz.

Additionally, the Committee adopted its funding resolution for operations, and its rules for the 117th Congress.