Harriet Hageman to Chair Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indian and Insular Affairs

Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), named Representative Harriet Hageman as the Chair of the Subcommittee for Indian and Insular Affairs. This subcommittee oversees all matters regarding Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives, including the 574 federally recognized Indian tribes with approximately 2 million members. It also has jurisdiction over the US Territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

“It is an honor to be named Chair of the Subcommittee for Indian and Insular Affairs – especially as a new Member of Congress. There are many serious issues that our Native American populations are facing both economic and societal, including the epidemic of murdered and missing indigenous women and children. There are also serious concerns with the Bureau of Indian Affairs that must be investigated to provide the best opportunities for these populations. In addition, the subcommittee also oversees our U.S. territories around the globe – with many of these territories, especially those in the South Pacific, threatened by Communist China’s quest for an expanded empire.” Congresswoman Hageman said.

Chairman Westerman stated, “I’m proud to welcome Congresswoman Hageman as leader of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. Many tribal and insular communities have experienced economies that continue to face unique challenges that impede their ability to thrive. As chair, I know Ms. Hageman will promote policies that support self-determination and remove bureaucratic red tape that prohibits tribal and insular communities from reaching a more promising future. I’m excited to start working with her on these important issues.”

Contact: Chris Berardi, Senior Advisor/Communications Director