Tribal groups warn Inhofe bill could undermine sovereignty

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Several Native American groups are warning U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe that legislation being discussed in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could undermine tribal sovereignty.

The leaders of eight separate groups sent a joint letter to Inhofe on Wednesday outlining their concerns. Among the groups are the National Congress of American Indians and the Association on American Indian Affairs. They fear that congressional action could undermine tribal sovereignty that was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in its McGirt v. Oklahoma decision.

Inhofe said in a statement on Friday the tribal organizations’ concerns are “misplaced” and that legislation is needed.