Committee Holds Hearing on Employment and Training Opportunities in Indian Country

Statement

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today convened an oversight hearing titled "Examining the 477 Program: Reducing Red Tape While Promoting Employment and Training Opportunities in Indian Country."

"Under the 477 program, participating tribes and tribal organizations are able to integrate employment, training, and related services from federal agencies into a single plan. This consolidation of federal programs allows tribes to shape plans that address the unique needs of their communities -- and reduces federal bureaucracy," said Hoeven. "Reducing these unnecessary layers of bureaucracy has lessened the administrative burden on tribes and in turn allows for tribal programs to be more effective."

In his opening remarks and during questioning, Senator Hoeven reviewed the accomplishments of the 477 program and how the 2017 amending law provided for permanency and expansion of the program.

The Committee heard testimony from Mr. Spike Bighorn, Acting Deputy Bureau Director, Office of Indian Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior; The Honorable Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation; The Honorable Ralph Anderson, President & CEO, Bristol Bay Native Association; and Ms. Margaret Zientek, Co-Chair, P.L. 102-477 Workgroup.

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