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Meskwaki woman questions GOP vote against Tribal Law and Order
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Filed Under: Law | National | Politics

Christina Blackcloud-Garcia, a member of the Meskwaki Tribe, is disappointed that an Iowa Republican voted against the Tribal Law and Order Act.

Blackcloud-Garcia told The Iowa Independent that the bill represents a “major step forward for justice in Indian Country." Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) was the only member of Iowa's Congressional delegation to oppose the bill.

"It is a unfortunate Steve King and 91 other Republicans voted against a bill which will finally provide American Indians, who are victims of rape and other crimes on tribal land, the right to fight for justice and prosecute offenders,” Blackcloud-Garcia, the vice chair of the e Iowa Democratic Party’s American Indian Caucus, told the Independent.

The Meskwaki Tribe is not part of King's district but his district includes trust land owned by the Winnebago Tribe, the Omaha Tribe and the Ponca Tribe. Native Americans make up about 0.5 percent of the district's population.

“As the Representative for the 5th District of Iowa, it is hoped Congressman King will always uphold justice for all citizens and tribal members in this country," Blackcloud-Garcia told the Independent. “King’s vote against this bill is a reminder that some government representatives fail to be informed or turn a blind eye on treaties and trust obligations between tribes and the federal government which includes providing safe communities for American Indians.”

Get the Story:
King’s opposition to bill combating rape on tribal land questioned (The Iowa Independent 7/29)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924