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WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator Patty Murray has announced there is a new effort in Congress to help meet the needs in Indian Country. Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) has decided the time is right to create the "Senate Native American Caucus."

According to Senator Murray, Senator Inouye has invited her to be one of the first members of this new group, Murray said, "I'm working with him to encourage other Senators to join our Caucus."

The Caucus will help improve coordination among Senators who care strongly about Native American issues. The Caucus will help move tribal initiatives through the many Senate Committees that have jurisdiction over Native American issues. So far, the Caucus includes: Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Ted Stevens (R-AK), Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), Pete Domenici (R-NM) and John McCain (R-AZ).

Those Senators, plus Senator Inouye and Senator Murry, have sent letters to the Senate Leadership, Senators Daschle and Lott, and the 90 other Senators inviting them to join the Caucus.

The House of Representatives formed a Native American Caucus in 1997, which is co-chaired by Reps. Dale Kildee and J.D. Hayworth. The House Caucus has 110 members.

"I am delighted Senator Inouye has decided the time is right to create a Senate Native American Caucus", Senator Patty Murray said. "I hope many of my colleagues will join the Caucus so we may more formally work together on behalf of Indian Country."

If you have any questions or comments on this or other Indian issues, please send email to: senator_murray@murray.senate.gov, and/or visit Senator Patty Murray's web site.