06.24.22

LIVESTREAM NEXT WEEK: Joint Hearing on the Bureau of Indian Education on Tuesday

Washington, D.C. – The Natural Resources Committee is holding one livestreamed event next week.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28

Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States

THIS HEARING WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ON MAY 24, 2022 AT 12:00 P.M., BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES.

The Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, led by Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), will hold a joint oversight hearing with the Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, titled, Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Bureau of Indian Education.

The federal government’s trust responsibility to maintain the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) includes the provision of education. AI/AN children can receive education through either a BIE-funded school or a traditional public school that receives Department of Education (ED) funding. Funding for BIE schools comes from both the ED and the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) but has consistently been insufficient to cover many basic needs for schools. The President’s FY 2023 Budget request includes $1.6 billion for BIE, a $500 million increase above the FY 2022 enacted level.

Since 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued reports on significant concerns at BIE schools and placed them on the High-Risk list in 2017. Recent GAO reports show that while the BIE has improved on some long-standing issues, much more work needs to be done. In addition, a 2016 report from DOI’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) found major facility deficiencies and health and safety concerns, including structural and electrical problems, asbestos, radon, mold, fire safety problems, and reliance on temporary structures. The joint hearing will examine how BIE has responded to report findings and how the ongoing pandemic has exacerbated issues for BIE and AI/AN students.

Witnesses

  • Mr. Tony L. Dearman, Director, Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Ms. Beth Sirois, Assistant Director, Government Accountability Office

When: 11:00 a.m. Eastern time

Watch Live: https://youtu.be/t1En7p__25o

Press Contact

Media Contact: Lindsay Gressard

202-225-6065 | cell: 202-740-4715