Pallone Addresses NIGA Members on Capitol Hill

February 4, 2010

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) Wednesday addressed attendees of the National Indian Gaming Association 2010 Winter Legislative Summit on Capitol Hill. He spoke on the progress of health care and meeting the unique needs of Indian Country in health reform, as well as about his work on the Natural Resources Committee.

“I have been fortunate this year to oversee some great strides in Indian Country advocacy,” said Pallone. “As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health I have worked hard to include my bill, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, into Congress’s health reform package. The Natural Resources Committee, which I also serve on, has held ten legislative and oversight hearings on Indian Affairs.”

Rep. Pallone also spoke on his concern about the Supreme Court ruling on Carcieri vs. Salazar, and encouraged Congress to correct the decision.

“There is much left to be addressed. I look forward to working on issues such as gang violence on reservations, Indian education reform and improvements, and extending bond provisions from the Recovery Act that creates jobs and infrastructure in Indian Country.”