Helping Indian Country by bringing back a proven program (Sen. Tim Johnson)

The higher crime rates and substance abuse problems in Indian Country are well documented. Our reservations face a level of drug abuse that is nearly twice the national level. As the senior Senator from South Dakota, I represent a state that is home to nine treaty tribes and I have seen firsthand the burden local governments face when trying to combat issues associated with substance use and abuse.

I have always been a proud supporter of the Public and Indian Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program, which, for many years, provided funding to our public and Indian housing authorities to help fight drug abuse and crime in public housing. Unfortunately, in 2002, funding for this program was zeroed out, while funding under the Housing and Urban Development Operating Fund was increased. That decision left Indian Country with far fewer resources, since tribes are prevented from taking part in public housing programs.

That’s why I am proud to introduce the Public and Indian Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, which would bring this proven program back to life. This legislation would once again provide Indian Country with the funding needed to make our reservations safer and help more people overcome the grip of drug addiction.

Congress has been working to address what has become a growing problem on our reservations, but there is more work to be done. Restoring this critical funding will again allow tribal governments and local law enforcement to work together and combat drug abuse and related crime.