The House of Representatives passed H.R. 511, The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, with the help of two Oklahoma Congressman. The measure would amend the National Labor Relations Act to provide Indian tribal enterprises or institutions do not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Congressman Tom Cole is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and managed the combined rule for H.R. 511 and H.R. 1737 on the House floor.
“Practically every county and city in this country has a golf course. Most states have a lottery. The National Park Service operates hotels. Many cities operate convention centers. All of these activities are not regulated under the NLRA. It should be the same with tribes,” Cole said during his opening remarks on the floor.
Representative Steve Russell also took the floor to speak in favor of the Act. He pointed to the Constitution as the reason why the measure should become law.
“Really, this whole matter in this discussion is pretty simple. Article 1, Section 8: Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. Explicit language in the Constitution that we all defend and that I have defended since I was 18. It is the purview of this Congress not the rule makers of the National Labor Relations Board to regulate commerce. This nation must continue to recognize the rights of Indian tribal sovereignty. And this Congress must uphold the Constitution and sovereign treaties with those tribes. Those opposed to this bill say that it will take away the rights of workers. As a Representative from Oklahoma, whose 5th district has more than 13% Native Americans, our largest minority, our constituents know that the actions of the rule makers will take away the rights of sovereign tribes. Congress must restore these rights with the passage of this bill,” said Russell.
The House passed the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act by a vote of 249-177.
Got a better idea: just repeal the whole act. We’d all be better off.