WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led the Senate Democrats in including more than $10 billion worth of investments for Indian Country in the Senate Democrats’ infrastructure proposal, which was unveiled today.
The $1 trillion infrastructure proposal, the Jobs and Infrastructure Plan for America's Workers, provides the resources and a blueprint to modernize America's infrastructure and create millions of jobs — paid for by rolling back the massive tax cuts given to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations in the Republican tax bill.
Details on the investments in Indian Country can be found here and the full proposal can be found here .
Udall issued the following statement:
"To fulfill the federal government's trust and treaty obligations to Indian Country, we must make serious investments in Tribal infrastructure. Like large swaths of urban and rural America, Indian Country’s great potential is hampered by inadequate infrastructure. As vice chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, I know that Tribes face an undue burden in accessing capital for development and job creation in their communities, and that's why I worked to ensure this infrastructure plan sets aside robust funding for Tribal governments, so that the gains Indian Country made in the 20th century will continue well beyond the 21st. The infrastructure blueprint that Democrats' have proposed is the economic boost Indian Country and the nation need — it will create over 15 million jobs nationwide, while improving America's crumbling infrastructure and investing in projects that will build a stronger, more resilient America."
Senate Democrats’ infrastructure plan redoubles our commitment to Native communities, with major investments to make sure kids in Indian Country have a shot at a good education, that Indian communities receive the same level of care expected in other communities, and to make sure that everyone in Indian Country has a safe roof over their head and basic necessities like electricity and running water. The Senate Democrats’s plan also looks to close the digital divide in Indian Country, so that everyone has the opportunity to make the most of this 21st century economy, whether it’s through online educational courses, connecting Tribal businesses with customers, or searching for jobs.
