Montana is home to seven federally recognized Indian reservations and the state recognized Little Shell Tribe, each of which holds a special role in the formation and character of our great state. Unfortunately, some Native Americans continue to struggle economically and find it difficult to access quality health care and education. Native tribes also continue to face challenges in addressing violent crime on their reservations. I will work with tribes to address these concerns in Congress wherever possible. The recent passage of the Violence Against Women Act allows flexibility for tribes to fight domestic violence and sexual assault on their reservations. I will also work to expand economic opportunities for tribes and all Montanans through the responsible development of our natural resources. To that end, I applaud the partnership between Cloud Peak Energy, Big Metal Company, and the Crow Tribe. I believe agreements such as these can help build a strong foundation for Native American communities to thrive in our state.