O’Halleran Leads Bill to Establish Congressional Charter for American Indian Veterans

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV). NAIV is a nonprofit organization on the Cheyenne River Reservation with a mission to advocate for tribal veterans. According to VA estimates, in 2021 there were more than 150,000 Native veterans in the United States.

While Congressional Charters have been established for Polish American, Italian American, Jewish, and Black veterans' groups, currently, no Native veterans' organization has received a Congressional Charter.

"Native Americans have served in our armed forces in greater numbers per capita than any other demographic group," said Rep. O'Halleran. "Today I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will award a Congressional Charter to NAIV, an organization that solely represents the interests and needs of the more than 140,000 Native American veterans."

"The NAIV has served the needs of tribal veterans across the nation for decades," said Rep. Johnson. "When South Dakota's Native veterans came to me with a request for a Congressional Charter it was a no-brainer. Native Americans serve our armed forces at some of the highest rates in the country, it makes sense that they have this recognition and representation in Congress. I am grateful for the NAIV's dedication to tribal veterans benefits and for their input on tribal policy throughout the years."

"With Native Americans serving in our nation's military at five times the national average, it certainly makes sense to provide federal recognition to a Native American veterans organization that advocates for the needs and interests of this unique population across 14 regions in the United States," said Rep. Cole, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. "I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that grants a federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans Inc."

"Native people serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have a higher percentage of women service members than all other populations. That rich history of service to our country is reflected in my own family-my mom served in the Army for 20 years," said Rep. Davids. "The National American Indian Veterans, Inc. is a crucial resource to promote and support all American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. I am proud to help introduce this legislation that designates NAIV as the first Native American veterans' organization to receive a Congressional Charter, and I will keep fighting for all Native individuals to be seen, heard, and supported on a National level."

A Congressional Charter recognizes the authority and purpose of an organization. A Senate companion bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D) in May 2021.

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