SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has reintroduced the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act aimed at restoring the sovereign status of tribal governments. As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Moran led the effort alongside nine other senators. This legislation intends to amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to exclude federally-recognized tribal governmental employers from the definition of "employers" on tribally-owned land, aligning them with other governmental employers.

Joining Sen. Moran in this legislative effort are Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.).

Moran stated, "It is time to correct a decade-old error made by the National Labor Relations Board and once again allow tribal governments, elected by their members, to have the authority to make informed decisions on behalf of those they represent.” He emphasized the bill’s support from more than 160 Indian tribes and tribal corporations and expressed his intention to work toward passing the bill and restoring tribal sovereignty.

The significance of tribal sovereignty was highlighted, with Moran noting that, “Tribal sovereignty is an important component of the federal government’s relationship with Native American Tribes.” He mentioned that the legislation would empower tribal leaders to make decisions that best serve their communities.

Sen. Rounds commented on the economic role of tribal governments, “Tribal governments are some of the largest employers on the nine reservations located in South Dakota.” He observed that existing regulations under the NLRA have hindered tribes from instituting ‘right to work’ laws. The proposed Act would amend the NLRA to offer an exemption for tribal governments, similar to existing exemptions for local, state, and federal governments.

The senators remain committed to working not only towards the passage of this legislation but also collaboratively with tribal leaders to enhance and reinforce tribal sovereignty further.