WASHINGTON — Sen. James Lankford proposed Thursday that Indian tribes cultivating or selling marijuana on their lands be stripped of federal funds.

Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, said he introduced his bill after hearing testimony in the Indian Affairs Committee about the toll drugs have taken in Indian Country. His bill was assigned to the committee.

“The Native American community experiences the highest drug induced death rate in the country," Lankford said.

"It is important for our nation to help address this issue for the sake of the next generation of Native Americans. This legislation is a good step in trying to protect young tribal members and fulfill our trust responsibility to Native Americans."