Congress should prioritize supporting tribal law enforcement agencies through increased funding for law enforcement, training, and resources to improve public safety and combat crime in tribal communities.
Support increased funding, training, and resources for tribal law enforcement.
Occurrences
Evidence
Mr. Downing introduced H.R. 8092 with a large bipartisan coalition. The bill would reauthorize NAHASDA through 2032 and, according to the bill page, its referenced provisions include 25 U.S.C. 5304 and other tribal housing authorities.
Downing said House passage of H.R. 6938 included funding for upgraded crime scene and communications equipment for law enforcement, detention center upgrades, and he said the requests were submitted in consultation with local stakeholders to expand law enforcement capabilities.
Assessments
Downing has taken same-term actions related to tribal resources and broader Montana law-enforcement funding, including introducing H.R. 8092 on tribal housing/self-determination and supporting appropriations for law-enforcement equipment and facilities. However, the cited tribal bill is not a direct tribal law-enforcement funding, training, or resource measure, and the law-enforcement projects described appear county or municipal rather than tribal. This supports partial credit for aligned effort, not full delivery of the specific promise.