WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today released the following statement, after he secured passage of S. 212, the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020 (ICEE Act of 2020). Hoeven introduced the legislation to promote economic development and job creation in Indian country. The ICEE Act will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.

“The Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020 promotes growth for native businesses and increases economic opportunities in Indian country,” said Hoeven. “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, one of my highest priorities this Congress has been addressing economic development and job creation. The ICEE Act of 2020 will attract investment in tribal communities while reducing red tape that limits Indian business promotion. I appreciate my colleagues for helping to pass this important piece of legislation and look forward to the President signing my bill into law.”

S. 212, the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020 amends three Federal laws relating to business, economic, and trade development in Indian communities. The bill also increases access to capital for Indian Tribes and native businesses; increases opportunities for Indian business promotion; and creates mechanisms and tools to attract investments in tribal communities.

The bill was introduced by Senator Hoeven on January 24, 2019, and passed by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on January 29, 2019. The Senate passed S. 212, as amended, on June 27, 2019, and sent the bill to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The House passed S. 212 with a technical amendment on December 3, 2020. The Senate considered the bill, as received from the House, and passed the ICEE Act of 2020 on December 17, 2020. S. 212 will go to the President for signature into law.