Rep. Randall and Rep. Hurd Co-Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Tribal Self-Determination

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) and Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced the Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act (ITARA) to reaffirm the trust responsibility of the federal government to Tribal Nations and strengthen tribal self-determination in the management of trust assets.

In 2016, the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act created a 10-year demonstration project allowing Tribal Nations to enter agreements with the Department of the Interior to manage their trust assets. These Indian Trust Asset Management Projects (ITAMPs) were designed to reaffirm the federal government's trust responsibility while encouraging tribal self-determination.

Nearly a decade later, the Department of the Interior has approved only three ITAMPs, citing a narrow interpretation of the law. As a result, many Tribal Nations have faced unnecessary barriers to participating in the program.

"I'm proud to co-lead the Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment (ITARA) Act alongside my colleague, Congressman Hurd, to ensure Tribal Nations can finally realize the promise of ITARA," said Rep. Randall. "Our bill would cut unnecessary red tape, ensuring more Tribes are able to enter into Indian Trust Asset Management Plans (ITAMPs) by making the demonstration project permanent and removing the arbitrary application process that has allowed very few Tribes to enter into ITAMPs. It's time we give tribes the authority they deserve over their own trust assets and stop putting obstacles in front of tribal self-determination."

"This bill is about respecting tribal sovereignty and ensuring the federal government lives up to its trust responsibility," saidRep. Hurd. "For too long, bureaucratic obstacles have kept Tribal Nations from fully managing their own trust assets. By making this program permanent and removing unnecessary barriers, we are giving Tribal communities the certainty, authority, and flexibility they deserve to steward their lands and resources for future generations."

The Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act would make ITARA's demonstration project permanent and remove the application process that has allowed the Department of the Interior to block Tribal Nations from entering ITAMPs. It also clearly defines "trust assets" to ensure the law is implemented as Congress originally intended.

Read the full bill text here.