Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Assistant to the Speaker of the House and the only congressional member from Southern California on the Ways and Means Committee, introduced H.R. 6005, the Tribal Charities Fairness Act of 2008.

"This modest bill would repair far-reaching inequities in the tax code," Rep. Becerra said after introducing the legislation. "By simply recognizing Indian tribal governments as local government entities, tribes would finally be free to fund public charities that serve the needs of their communities. It's a question of equality, and tribes deserve to be treated the same as any local government." For more information, go to www.becerrataxbill