Sen. Murray to Receive National Congress of American Indians 2013 Congressional Leadership Award

Murray Led Effort to Include Protections for Tribal Women in Final Bill

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced the 2013 Congressional Leadership Award will be presented to U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) during the NCAI Indian Country Leadership Awards in conjunction with their Executive Council Winter Session.

“As a champion for tribal sovereignty and Native women, Senator Patty Murray was instrumental in the recent passage of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization,” said NCAI in their announcement. “Senator Murray has advocated passionately for families and upheld her commitment to Indian Country by ensuring that life-saving assistance for victims of domestic violence extends to Native communities. Senator Murray is a key Indian Country partner in the Senate having served as the first female Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee during the 112th Congress and currently serving as the first female Chair of the Senate Budget Committee.”

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.

Read Senator Murray’s statement on the VAWA victory and watch an interactive timeline of her efforts on the legislation.