Zinke, Daines, Smith, Larsen Introduce Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Montana’s Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), today announced the bipartisan “Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act” to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities. The “PROTECT Act” would expand Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug trafficking. It would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. 

 “I’ve sat down with tribal leaders across Western Montana, and the devastation of the opioid crisis is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. The PROTECT Act gives Tribal Nations the tools and authority they need to take on the opioid crisis. It’s time we empower tribal courts and law enforcement to protect their communities and save lives,” said Zinke.

 “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen strong decisive action to secure the southern border and keep our communities safe. I’m proud to work alongside my bipartisan colleagues to further deliver on our promise to curb the spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl and crack down on crime. Protecting our Native American tribes while upholding and enhancing tribal sovereignty will always be one of my top priorities,” said Daines.

 “For years, Tribal leaders in Minnesota have raised the alarm that drug traffickers are exploiting complex legal jurisdiction on Tribal land, making Native communities some of the most hurt by the opioid and fentanyl epidemics. I hear directly from Tribal leaders about how their sheriffs will routinely arrest the same people for selling drugs, drop them off with the county police, and have to arrest them again the next day. The Tribe can’t do anything about it. The PROTECT Act would help Tribes fight back against these drug traffickers. This proposal is bipartisan and common sense, and it respects and upholds Tribes’ inherent sovereignty and right to protect their people,” said Smith. 

 “The opioid epidemic has devastated Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “Tribes in my district have continually told me about the unique challenges their courts and law enforcement face to stop drug trafficking on Tribal land. This bill would give Tribes the tools they need to protect tribal sovereignty, save lives and keep Tribes and communities across Northwest Washington safe,” said Larsen. 

 Read the bill text HERE.

 Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-Wash.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) joined in introducing the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

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