February 7, 2025
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has reintroduced the BADGES Act, aimed at strengthening tribal law enforcement and improving responses to missing Indigenous persons cases. The bill, backed by Sens. John Hoeven, Mike Rounds, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Ruben Gallego, would increase tribal access to missing persons databases and provide the Bureau of Indian Affairs with tools to address officer shortages. Supporters urge swift passage to enhance public safety in Native communities.
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