WASHINGTON, D.C.-  U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, announced today the appointment of Wyoming Assistant Attorney General, Affie Ellis, to the Tribal Law and Order Commission. Ellis was appointed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) at the recommendation of Barrasso.

The Commission, created by the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, is responsible for producing a detailed report for the President and Congress on law enforcement and criminal justice in tribal communities in the U.S.

“I am delighted Affie agreed to serve on this important Commission,” Barrasso said.  “Affie has an extensive background and firsthand experience in Native American policy that make her a valuable addition to the Commission.  This is critical work and I look forward to seeing the results and recommendations that the Commission will make to the President and Congress.”

Ellis, a Native American of Navajo descent who grew up in Jackson, WY, currently serves as Assistant Attorney General for Wyoming.  She is also an adjunct professor for the University of Wyoming, American Indian Studies Department.   

Previously, Ellis was a legislative aide for Native American policy to former U.S. Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY).

Background

On July 29, 2010, Congress passed the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010.  The Act established a “Tribal Law and Order Commission” whose primary purposes are to:

•    conduct a comprehensive study of law enforcement and criminal justice issues in Indian communities, and
•    within two years of the enactment date, produce a detailed report to the President and the Congress of its findings and its recommendations for legislative and administrative actions.  

The Commission has 9 members, to be appointed as follows:

•    3 by the President, in consultation with the Attorney General and Secretary of the Interior.
•    2 by the Majority Leader of the Senate, in consultation with the Chairmen of the Committees on Indian Affairs and the Judiciary.
•    1 by the Minority Leader of the Senate, in consultation with the Vice Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Committees on Indian Affairs and the Judiciary.
•    2 by the Speaker of the House, in consultation with the Chairmen of House Committees on the Judiciary and Natural Resources.
•    1 by the Minority Leader of the House, in consultation with the Ranking Members of House Committees on the Judiciary and Natural Resources.