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DOI Denies Enforcement Bill Exists from Liberty Matters News Service 12/19/01 - In response to Congressman George Nethercutt’s letter and calls from the grassroots, Secretary of the Department of Interior, Gale Norton has indicated she was unaware of a proposed bill circulating in DOI that would give specific DOI employees full law enforcement authority. The draft title of the bill is “Department of Interior Law Enforcement Clarification Act of 2001.” It specifically authorizes DOI officers to carry firearms, make arrests, serve warrants, along with other police powers. Congressman George Nethercutt (R-WA) was first to learn of the bill and quickly raised his opposition with Norton’s office. Two and a half weeks latter, Liberty Matters News Service reported the bill and recommended readers contact their Congressman and Secretary Norton. Shortly thereafter, the Secretary contacted Nethercutt’s office and indicated she was unaware of the proposal and asked for a copy of the bill. Nethercutt requested Norton release a statement that DOI will not pursue this legislation. On December 18th, Liberty Matters was contacted by the Deputy Solicitor for DOI, who also assured Liberty Matters that DOI was not pursuing the proposed bill and promised he would send a letter clarifying the Department’s position on the issue. We will keep you informed on the status of this proposed bill until the departments written statement is received.
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