NORTH DAKOTA
In-Forum

By: Chuck Haga and Patrick Springer, Forum Communications, INFORUM

SPECIAL REPORT: Protecting Spirit Lake’s kids

GRAND FORKS – Ryan Bernstein, deputy chief of staff for Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said Friday the senator is “pushing for hearings” by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on the issue of child abuse and neglect on reservations.

Both Hoeven and Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., are members of the panel.

“We’re working with the chairman, and we hope we can get that scheduled soon,” Bernstein said. “We’re hoping this summer, but if not, right after the August recess.”

Hearings on the problem of Indian child abuse likely would be held in Washington, D.C., “because more senators would be there, and there would be national exposure,” Bernstein said. “We see the issue right now in our state, but this is an issue in other states, as well.”