Southwest Montana News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) participated in a House Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled: “Biden’s Border Crisis: Examining Efforts to Combat International Criminal Cartels & Stop Illegal Drug Trafficking Targeting Indian Country.”

The hearing included testimonies from Montana-based witnesses such as Joshua Roberge, Chief of Police of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, and Stacy Zinn, former Resident in Charge of the Rocky Mountain Division from the Drug Enforcement Administration. During the session, Rep. Rosendale emphasized the increase in addiction and crime on Montana’s Indian reservations, attributing it to cartel activities enabled by current border policies.

“The continuing cycle of addiction, crime, and loss of life in Indian Country must be halted, and I hope that this hearing will force this Administration to protect our nation and work with our tribes to repel these dangerous cartels and their impact,” said Rep. Rosendale. “I hope the fact we are having yet another hearing on this issue of vital importance will serve as a much-needed wake-up call to my colleagues across the aisle, helping them recognize the unconscionable effects of President Biden's open border policies.”

In April, Rep. Rosendale previously addressed cartel impacts on Indian Country during another House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations hearing. Witnesses included Jeffrey Stiffarm, President of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, and Bryce Kirk, Tribal Executive Board Member of the Fort Peck Tribes.