When I was elected to Congress, I promised to bring rural Colorado’s voice to Washington and to make sure our communities – especially those often overlooked – would be heard. That’s why I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
It’s not common for a freshman member of Congress to be given a gavel. In fact, it’s rare. But I see this not just as a vote of confidence from my colleagues: it’s a serious responsibility, and one I intend to carry out with humility and focus.
Our subcommittee has two missions: first, to ensure the federal government upholds its trust responsibilities to tribal nations. And second, to oversee our strategic partnerships with the U.S. territories and freely associated states in the Pacific. These issues may seem worlds apart, but they share a common theme: listening to the voices of those who have always been vital to our country.
Having grown up in Western Colorado, I’ve always known that decisions made in D.C. often miss the mark on the ground. That’s especially true for Indian Country. But in Colorado’s 3rd District, we don’t just talk about tribal policy in the abstract. We live it. Our district is home to Colorado’s two federally recognized tribes – the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, both based in the Four Corners region. Their history, culture, and leadership are a vital part of what makes southwest Colorado so special. I enjoy a good working relationship with both tribes and look forward to working closely with tribal leadership in both nations to make progress together.
In this new role, I’ve made it my mission to strengthen the federal government’s relationship with tribal nations and to ensure that Washington is a better partner – one that respects tribal sovereignty, follows through on commitments, and supports real, lasting progress on the ground.
That starts with focusing on the basics: economic development, health care, and law enforcement.
In many tribal communities, federal red tape and broken systems continue to hold back opportunity. That’s unacceptable. We need to cut through the bureaucracy and support self-determination by getting funding and flexibility into the hands of local tribal governments – so they can drive their own futures.
On health care, we have an obligation to ensure that the Indian Health Service fulfills its promises. Too often, it doesn’t. We’re working to modernize IHS infrastructure and expand access to quality care, particularly in rural and remote areas.
And on public safety, we’re taking a hard look at how to better support tribal law enforcement and address the challenges posed across the country by drug smugglers and cartels.
On the Insular Affairs side of our subcommittee, we’re focused on another often-overlooked front line: the Pacific. From Guam to American Samoa to our partnerships with nations like the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, these are not just distant islands. They’re vital to American security, and they’re increasingly targeted by Chinese Communist Party influence. If we don’t invest in these relationships, someone else will.
In all of this, I’m guided by a simple principle: those who live closest to the challenge usually know best how to solve it. That’s true on tribal lands. It’s true in our island territories. And it’s true across Western and southern Colorado.
Being appointed as Subcommittee Chair is a platform to do right by the people who sent me here. I will continue listening to tribal leaders in our district and across the country, pushing for better federal partnerships, and making sure Indian Country is never treated as an afterthought.
It’s early in my first term, but we’re already building momentum. I’m proud to carry the voices of southwest Colorado into every hearing, every negotiation, and every decision we make.
Rep. Jeff Hurd represents the 3rd District of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives. Reach him or a staff member at hurd.house.gov/contact.
