I blogged previously about the Indian Child Welfare Act. The blog explained how the tribe can take custody of a child if the child’s heritage is part of a federally recognized tribe.

This proposed legislation takes this act a step further. It would allow the tribe to receive federal foster care funds to care for the child. Previously the tribe would take custody of the child, but did not receive federal funding.

You can find a summary of the bill here.

The bill is being sponsored by the following Senators:


Sen. Max Baucus of Montana – Main Sponsor
Sen. Jeff Bingham of New Mexico
Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington
Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico
Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota
Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan
Sen. John McCain of Arizona
Sen. Gordon Smith of Oregon
Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan
Sen. Jon Tester of Montana

The bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee.

The House Ways and Means Committee is also reviewing the bill as it is sponsored by the following representatives:

Rep. Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota – Main Sponsor
Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon
Rep. Dave Camp of Michigan
Rep. Ed Pastor of Arizona
Rep. Jerry Weller of Illinois

Not surprisingly, these are all states that are heavily populated with Native American tribes.

There are a couple of states that are not included, which is somewhat surprising. Wisconsin has a heavy Native American population, as does Oklahoma, as well as South Dakota and several states in the south. I’m curious as to why the Senators from these states are not listed as sponsors.

With John McCain running for president and as one of the sponsors of the bill, it will be interesting to see if this becomes an issue during the campaign. If it does, it could bring some much needed publicity to the foster care system and reform.

If you’re so inclined, you can read the full text of the bill here.

Photo credit