Reposting this urgent action alert shared by Native American Rights Fund
Source: Native American Rights Fund
On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed S. 1723, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, with an amendment through unanimous consent. Now, the U.S. House of Representatives must act swiftly to pass this critical bill before the legislative window close.
This landmark legislation seeks to uncover the truth about the U.S. government’s role in the Indian boarding school system, providing a path toward healing for Native communities. After years of bipartisan effort, S. 1723 has the support of both sides of the aisle and of faith-based organizations. It is also fully funded through existing budget allocations.
Why It Matters:
• The bill is budget-neutral and has bipartisan support.
• It addresses historical wrongs and ensures that survivors’ stories are heard.
• If not passed this year, it may not be reconsidered for years.
How You Can Help Today:
We need urgent outreach to House leadership to bring this bill to a vote. We ask you to contact members of the Native American Caucus and the Republican co-sponsors of the House version of the Truth and Reconciliation Act to urge them to call Leader Scalise and Speaker Johnson and tell them they want S.1723 to be put on suspension and passed.
Alternatively, call the offices of the following leaders to explain the importance of this bill and urge them to pass S.1723 immediately:
• Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana (202)-225-2777
• Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Louisiana (202)-225-3015
• Republican Bill Lead Tom Cole, Oklahoma (580)-357-2131
• Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York (202)-225-5936
We need to pressure U.S. House leadership to make time for the Indian Boarding School bill, so the president can sign it into law. Now is the time to explain how important this bill is for Indian Country and request the House pass this bill.
When talking to Congressional representatives, emphasize that:
1. The bill is fully paid for and will cost nothing;
2. All of the conservatives in the Senate signed off with no objections; and
3. The language was amended to ensure the support of faith-based groups.
Let’s make history together—urge the House to pass S. 1723 today.
Details on S. 1723 available at https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1723.
Learn more at the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
Learn more about NARF’s work toward boarding school healing.
Graphic at top of page shared by: @PCVUOrg