Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) discusses efforts to address the U. S. Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

The 2020 decision confirmed the existence of Indian Country in eastern Oklahoma, meaning tribes and the federal government exercise jurisdiction over most criminal activity. But Cole said the federal government has failed to provide adequate funding for tribal justice systems.

"There's clearly a federal trust responsibility to provide for justice and law enforcement on Indian reservations," Cole said during a meeting of the House Committee on Rules on July 26, 2021.

Through an amendment to an appropriations bill, Cole sought an additional $154 million in federal funds to address the situation. The money would have been added to the budget for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Lawmakers, however, rejected the amendment as part of a vote that took place on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 27. Despite the setback, Cole said he plans to continue working on the issue.

The funding bill is H.R.4502. It passed the House on July 29.