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Rehberg introduces legislation to create Indian Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced this week that he is introducing legislation to establish a Committee on Indian Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Native American culture is an important part of Montana's heritage," said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "The creation of an Indian Affairs Committee would help ensure that Native American issues receive the recognition they deserve."

Rehberg met with members of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council in Washington, D.C. During that meeting, he talked about the importance of a committee that could specifically address tribal needs.

Representatives from five Montana tribes, in attendance at the meeting, joined in support of Rehberg by signing on as citizen co-sponsors.

"Native American issues are becoming more and more important," said James Parker Shield, Vice-Chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.

"Montana's seven reservations deserve a greater opportunity to have their voices heard and to move their priorities forward," said Rehberg. "I will continue to work to make a U.S. House Indian Affairs Committee a reality."

See also: Rehberg addresses critical meth-fighting funds