Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act

{{Short description|United States law}}

The Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act, S. 1948 was introduced on Jan 16, 2014. Its sponsor is Sen. Jon Tester [D-MT]. Cosponsors were Max Baucus [D-MT], Mark Begich [D-AK], Tim Johnson [D-SD], Brian Schatz [D-HI], Tom Udall [D-NM], and Lisa Murkowski [R-AK].{{Cite web

| title = Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act (S. 1948)

| work = GovTrack.us

| accessdate = 2014-02-27

| url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s1948

}}

The bill "would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide increased federal financial support to Native American language programs at American Indian-focused schools."{{Cite news

| last = Cappricioso

| first = Rob

| title = Tester, in Line to Be SCIA Chair, to Introduce Indian School Language Bill

| accessdate = 2014-02-27

| date = 2014-01-16

| url = http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/01/16/tester-line-be-scia-chair-introduce-indian-school-language-bill-153131

}} In 2015, the bill would provide $5 million in funding.{{Cite news

| title = Tester, Johnson, Begich, and Schatz introduce Native languages bill

| work = Char-Koosta News

| accessdate = 2014-02-27

| date = 2014-01-23

| url = http://www.charkoosta.com/2014/2014_01_23/Senators_introduce_native_languages_bill.html

}}

Support among Native Americans includes Oglala Sioux Tribal president Bryan Brewer and Rosebud Sioux Tribal president Cyril Scott.{{Cite news

| last = Ecoffey

| first = Brandon

| title = Native Sun News: Native language bill introduced in Senate

| work = Indianz.Com

| accessdate = 2014-02-27

| date = 2014-01-23

| url = http://www.indianz.com/News/2014/012317.asp

}} Congressional supporters include Senator John Walsh (D-MT).{{Cite web

| last = Office of Senator John Walsh

| title = Walsh Fights to Protect and Maintain Tribal Languages

| work = Indian Country Today Media Network

| accessdate = 2014-05-20

| date = 2014-05-16

| url = http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/05/16/walsh-fights-protect-and-maintain-tribal-languages-154900

}}