July 11, 2017
The Honorable Ron Kind The Honorable Lynn Jenkins
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representatives Kind and Jenkins:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports H.R. 3138, which would support economic
development in Indian Country by granting sovereign tribes many of the tools that states already
possess.
H.R. 3138 would provide parity for sovereign tribes relative to states in both bonding and
pension plans. Regarding bonding, this bill would remove the “essential government function” test that
applies only to sovereign tribes, thus ensuring tribes would be able to engage in economic activity for the
benefit of their constituency just as states currently do. Further, with respect to pension plans, H.R. 3138
would acknowledge Native American tribes as sovereign entities by providing “governmental” status to
plans established and maintained by sovereign tribes; thus, promoting parity between states and
sovereign tribes.
Lastly, H.R. 3138 would put tribal sovereigns on an equal footing with how states currently
operate for certain tax purposes pertaining to charities, child support enforcement, and adoptions, which
would further promote economic development within Indian Country.
The Chamber thanks you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
cc: Representative Tom Cole
Representative Suzan DelBene
Representative Doug LaMalfa
Representative David Reichert
Representative Norma Torres
