U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) teamed up with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) to introduce the bipartisan PROTECT Act, aimed at tackling drug trafficking in tribal communities across the country, including Montana.
The bill—Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act—would expand Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native drug traffickers. It also grants tribal courts authority to execute warrants for electronic materials, enhancing their ability to fight traffickers and related crimes more effectively.
Senator Daines emphasized the urgency of addressing the opioid and fentanyl crises impacting tribal communities:
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen decisive action to secure our borders and keep communities safe. I’m proud to work with bipartisan colleagues to curb deadly drugs like fentanyl and crack down on crime while protecting tribal sovereignty—one of my top priorities.”
Rep. Zinke highlighted his direct engagement with Montana’s tribal leaders, stressing the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic:
“I’ve sat down with tribal leaders across Western Montana, and the heartbreak caused by this crisis is unacceptable. The PROTECT Act equips Tribal Nations with the authority to confront the opioid crisis head-on and protect their communities.”
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith pointed out the jurisdictional challenges tribal leaders face:
“Tribal leaders tell me drug traffickers exploit complex legal gaps on tribal lands, leading to repeated arrests without meaningful consequences. This bipartisan, commonsense bill respects tribal sovereignty and helps tribes fight back.”
Representative Rick Larsen also expressed support for empowering tribes in his district:
“This bill gives Tribes the tools they need to protect sovereignty, save lives, and keep communities safe from drug trafficking.”
The legislation enjoys broad backing, with tribal leaders and Montana officials praising its potential impact:
- Justin Gray Hawk Sr., Chairman of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, said: “Drug dealers devastate our communities, and we need every tool possible to stop this scourge. We thank Senator Daines for his leadership.”
- Gene Small, President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, applauded the bill’s bipartisan nature and urged Congress to pass it swiftly.
- Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen remarked: “Leaving tribal communities powerless to hold non-Native traffickers accountable makes them targets for cartels. I hope this bill moves quickly to President Trump’s desk.”
- Michael Dolson, Tribal Council Chairman of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, voiced strong support, highlighting the bill’s alignment with tribal court expansion efforts.
The PROTECT Act’s companion bill was also introduced in the House by Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (D-Wash.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.).
By: DNU staff