A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would establish a legal mechanism to end a 1948 federal law that granted New York State criminal jurisdiction over Seneca Nation territory. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who has introduced the Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act, says it would help resolve overlapping responsibilities between federal, state, and tribal authorities. Gillibrand says it would give the Seneca Nation a path to more fully pursue their self-determination and self-governance on their tribal lands.
Gillibrand says, "The Seneca Nation Law Enforcement Efficiency Act is a crucial first step in fixing a Termination-era law enforcement model that has existed for the last 78 years. The Seneca Nation has suffered as a result, and now is Congress' chance to right historic wrongs and end New York State's automatic jurisdiction over Seneca lands. This bill will enhance public safety and respect Tribal sovereignty."
Seneca Nation President J.C. Seneca says, "The lack of clear and effective law enforcement and criminal jurisdiction on our lands has created an environment where drug dealers, drug traffickers and other criminals have thrived at the expense of the safety of the Seneca people. The current archaic system of New York State jurisdiction puts our people in danger. Restoring the federal government's treaty responsibility to work with the Seneca Nation to provide law enforcement represents a major step forward in protecting our people and our territories. We appreciate Senator Gillibrand’s willingness to listen to our concerns and work with us to introduce this important legislation in the Senate. We will not relent in our efforts to make enhanced public safety a reality on Seneca Nation lands."
The legislation is also supported by Congressman Nick Langworthy, who says the current jurisdictional framework is outdated and "has created real-world public safety problems." He adds that it will make communities safer.
