Native American minority contracts are under scrutiny as officials vow strict enforcement
LOS ANGELES - Federal and state lawmakers and regulators have called for inquiries and tighter minority-certification rules after a Los Angeles Times investigation found more than $300 million in government contracts went to businesses that made unsubstantiated claims of Native American ownership.
In at least a dozen cases, business owners claimed membership in one of three Cherokee groups that have no federal recognition and are considered illegitimate by recognized tribes and Native American experts. The firms received minority certifications and contracts from federal, state and local authorities, The Times found.
"These reports are deeply troubling," said Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, a New York Democrat and chairwoman of the House committee that oversees the U.S.
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