Advancing tribal sovereignty and prosperity in rural Arizona
By U.S. Rep. Eli Crane
Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. Eli Crane is serving Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.
As we approach Native American History Month, I wanted to highlight my team’s efforts in Washington to advance tribal interests. Although our work is just beginning, we have made real progress to bolster tribal sovereignty, increase access to resources, and remove encroaching federal regulations that stifle prosperity.
Earlier this year, I cosponsored legislation to ratify the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement to allocate water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. This bipartisan solution will guarantee reliable allotments of water and build critical delivery projects.
In addition, this legislation includes my bill, The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribal Homelands Act, which establishes a reservation for the only federally recognized tribe in Arizona without a homeland. I’m thankful for the collaboration from local and federal officials to ensure water rights for tribal communities, conclude years of costly litigation battles, and provide a home for the San Juan Southern Paiute.
On the economic front, I partnered with my Democrat colleague from Kansas, Rep. Sharice Davids, to co-introduce the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act. This bipartisan legislation formally codifies the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration to support entrepreneurs on reservations.
Specifically, our bill will assist tribal business owners with marketing, strategic and operational planning, financial analysis, contract management, compliance, and provide resources to eliminate barriers to entrepreneurial activity. I’m pleased to report that this commonsense measure passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support, and we anticipate a swift approval in the Senate.
Regarding the fight against federal overreach, we continue to push U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to expedite federal permitting relating to gravel pits on tribal lands. Tribal leaders should have the discretion to use their resources how they see fit instead of waiting for approval from out-of-touch federal bureaucrats.
I also voted in favor of the Native American Child Protection Act, which will provide tribes with resources necessary to prevent, prosecute, and treat child abuse. It’s crucial that we address officer retention issues and make sure tribes have the necessary resources to combat bad actors.
In response to President Biden’s Public Land Order that prevented all private landowners and Navajo allottees from mineral leasing land around Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, I introduced The Energy Opportunities for All Act. This bill would nullify the Biden Admin’s ill-advised actions that ban citizens from lawfully exercising their rights over 336,404 acres surrounding Chaco Canyon.
President Biden’s ban will have significant negative impacts on the Navajo Nation by severely limiting tribal revenue, self-sufficiency, and American energy production. Fortunately, my bill passed out of the Natural Resources Committee and awaits further consideration on the House floor.
I’m proud to represent over half the tribes in Arizona as the representative for Congressional District 2. Arizona’s tribal communities have a long history of heroic service in the U.S. Armed Forces. One distinct highlight from my time in office was having the opportunity to join Navajo Nation President Nygren in Window Rock to celebrate Code Talkers Day in honor of the men who used their unique skill set to profoundly serve our country.
While we’ve had productive discussions with VA Secretary McDonough, including visits with him to Tuba City and Prescott, the current standard of care is unacceptable for our nation’s heroes. As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to deliver the highest possible standard of healthcare.
Lastly, I would like to thank our tribal leaders for partnering with my office to deliver tangible results for the amazing people of AZ-02. Since my election in 2022, you welcomed me into your communities with open arms, provided invaluable insight to my staff, and tirelessly worked to improve the lives of our constituents.
I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve established over the last two years, and I look forward to continuing to identify avenues for economic growth, deregulation, and infrastructure development.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow