Rounds’ RESPECT Act set to repeal 11 federal laws discriminating against Native Americans

Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) that will repeal 11 federal laws discriminating against Native Americans is on its way to being signed into law by the president.

“While we cannot rewrite the past, we need to acknowledge it and continue to strive for a more perfect Union,” Sen. Rounds said. “I am pleased this bipartisan, commonsense legislation is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.”

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 14 approved the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act, S. 789, which Sen. Rounds sponsored in March 2021 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). The U.S. Senate passed the bill last year.

Once enacted, the measure will repeal certain provisions related to the treatment of Indians, including provisions on hostile tribes, alcohol, work requirements, penalties for truancy, and placement of youth in reform school without the consent of a parent or guardian, according to a list provided by Sen. Rounds’ staff.

“It’s long overdue to remove these immoral, discriminatory federal laws from our books,” said Sen. Rounds. “Throughout history, Native Americans have been subjected to unfair treatment from our federal government, including the forced removal of their children from their homes. 

“Clearly, there is no place in our legal code for such measures, and it is appalling these laws are still in our federal code,” the senator added.

Companion legislation, the same-named H.R. 3158, was introduced on May 12, 2021, by U.S. Reps. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Tom Cole (R-OK) in the U.S. House.

“Repealing these laws is a step in the right direction to right the wrongs against Native Americans,” Rep. Johnson said in a separate statement. “There is no reason these archaic and discriminatory laws remain on the books.”

The congressman added that Sen. Rounds’ leadership on the bill “was key to getting it passed in the Senate, and I am proud to help usher the RESPECT Act across the finish line in the House.”

The RESPECT Act garnered support from the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association and the National Congress of American Indians.