Oklahoma Congressman Introduces Bill On Tribal Jurisdiction Compacts
Federal legislation to allow the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations to compact with the state of Oklahoma on criminal justice was formally introduced today for Rep. Tom Cole, a Chickasaw and one of just a handful of Native Americans in Congress. The introduction comes one day after leaders of the two tribes signaled their support for the bill.
Given the respect that Republicans, and many Democrats, have for Rep. Cole, and with his tribal affiliation, it's no surprise that he has taken the lead role on Capitol Hill in trying to solve the problems caused by the Supreme Court's decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma last summer.