This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. The legislation aims to improve hiring and retention for tribal law enforcement officers in Central Washington and across the United States. Co-sponsors include Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
“As the missing and murdered indigenous women crisis continues to plague tribal communities across the country, tribal law enforcement agencies are facing serious challenges with recruiting and retaining officers and resources,” said Rep. Newhouse.
Newhouse added, “This bipartisan legislation empowers tribal law enforcement to build and maintain strong, well-trained forces who will be far better equipped to address the MMIW crisis, counter illicit drug flow, and protect tribal communities in Central Washington.”
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez noted the difficulties faced by law enforcement in rural communities: “Our bipartisan legislation will cut down on administrative burdens and strengthen benefits for Tribal law enforcement—to ensure that sovereign Tribal Nations can keep their communities safe.”
Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized the need for more officers: “Tribes need more law enforcement officers to fight both the fentanyl and murdered and missing indigenous people epidemics.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin highlighted the need for equal treatment: “Tribal police should receive equal treatment and resources needed for the safety of their communities without going through excessive red tape.”
The bill was also introduced with support from Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), and Angie Craig (D-MN).
Rep. Tom Cole stated that Native American communities face higher crime rates than average: “The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will help to improve this struggle by ensuring tribal police have the resources they need.”
Rep. Sharice Davids expressed her support: “This bill takes a long-overdue step to cut red tape and ensure tribal officers can access the training, authority, and benefits they’ve earned.”
Rep. Ryan Zinke said, “By cutting red tape…we’re strengthening public safety, supporting tribal sovereignty, and honoring our commitment to the rule of law in every community.”
Rep. Marilyn Strickland stressed respecting tribal sovereignty: “This bill will protect tribal communities and help with officer recruitment and retention.”
Rep. John Moolenaar mentioned current limitations faced by tribal officers: “The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a commonsense bill that removes barriers for tribal governments.”
Rep. Gabe Vasquez shared his experiences with Tribes’ unique challenges: “The bipartisan Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is a crucial step toward addressing some of these needs by delivering federal benefits these brave officers deserve.”
Supported by several tribes including Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation, Yakama Nation, Chehalis Reservation among others, this act seeks significant changes.
Key provisions include authorizing certain qualified tribal officers as federal law enforcement agents eliminating burdensome agreements currently required; providing them federal benefit eligibility; implementing credentialing procedures; coordinating training activities.
