Rounds’ bill repealing discriminatory laws towards Native Americans passes U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would repeal 11 discriminatory federal laws targeting Native American Indians.

“We are one step closer to removing these immoral, discriminatory federal laws from our books,” Sen. Rounds said on Monday. 

The Senate on May 28 approved the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act, S. 789, which Sen. Rounds sponsored on March 17 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) on May 12 introduced the companion measure, H.R. 3158, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

If enacted, the measure would repeal certain provisions related to the treatment of Native Americans, 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 the congressional record bill summary.

“Throughout history, Native Americans have been subjected to unfair treatment from our federal government, including the forcible removal of their children from their homes,” said Sen. Rounds. “The fact that these laws are still in our federal code is appalling. I thank my Senate colleagues for agreeing with me and unanimously passing this legislation,” he added.

The RESPECT Act is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association and the National Congress of American Indians.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get the RESPECT Act to the president’s desk,” Rounds said.