Sen. Tina Smith Co-Authors Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities

The current laws on the books do not allow for tribal law enforcement to prosecute non-natives.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) —  Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota has introduced legislation aimed at combatting the drug trade within indigenous communities.

The junior Senator from Minnesota has partnered with Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana to create the PROTECT Act.

The goal is to give tribal nations more power in pursuing drug cases.

Right now, tribal law enforcement is not allowed to prosecute non-natives – even when they commit crimes on native land.

The new law would change that plus other expansions of authority that aim to cut into the illegal drug trade decimating indigenous communities.

Smith says these legal enhancements are vital.

“Imagine the pain of losing somebody that you love,” she said, “knowing that channel, that pipeline of illicit drugs and guns and violence that accompanies that, just continues to stay open, and continues to be a threat to your community.”

She went on to say that aims to have the bill presented to the Senate as soon as they reconvene in January.

Smith believes this measure has broad bipartisan support and should pass.