; Whereas the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.)— (1) adheres to the principles of tribal sovereignty; (2) promotes the best interests of AIAN children; and (3) ensures child welfare systems follow best practices and treat AIAN children fairly; Whereas a coalition of leading national child welfare organizations has declared the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) to be the gold standard in child welfare system practices; Whereas, over the 40 years since its enactment, the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) has served as a model for multiple States that have enacted similar or identical provisions in their own statutes, regulations, and procedures; Whereas, Indian Tribes are united in their support for the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) and have worked collaboratively with States and local governments to support compliance with the Act; and Whereas, despite progress made by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 ( 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), the need for its protections remains: Now, therefore, be it