I think that's an important distinction. I think both of us would love to work with you on that front.

But the problem still exists. The enforcement of those laws has not been strong enough.

I take my responsibility for representing Indian Country in Washington very seriously.

It's always good to have more hands, although, I would not represent that necessarily as a Departmental position.

In the Senate, I introduced a resolution that strongly condemns the theft, illegal possession or sale and export of tribal cultural items.

I take great pride in working with New Mexico's tribal communities.

While we must improve Federal law to create stronger legal deterrence, we also need to change the hearts and minds of art collectors and dealers who may have engaged in this activity.

I'm happy to help on the appropriations side where I serve as the ranking member at this point on the subcommittee with the Interior Department Bureau and the Indian Affairs.

It would prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking tribal patrimony.

By passing these cultural protection laws, Congress will take another step in making history in its endeavor to make the Navajo Nation and all tribes across the country whole after experiencing the erosion of their cultural identities.

We're in the process of working through that with our partners.

I wish to say a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Donda Morgan, who retired at the end of last month after 17 years and 8 months with my office. I do this knowing that she shies away from fuss and attention, preferring to stay…

I rise to introduce the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act, alongside my colleague and friend from Maine, Senator Susan Collins. We are going to hear from her in a few minutes. I want to say a few words about an issue that is all too…

We want them to do so safely. And parents and coaches have good reason to be concerned about the dangers of concussions.

I'm working with Senate colleagues to get this important bill signed in this Congress.

Since the establishment of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument it has certainly been a tremendous asset for the local community and small businesses.

This bill would finally resolve a number of, literally decades long, public land and resource issues in Northwestern New Mexico.

It would permanently protect unique geologic, paleontological and cultural resources in the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah area.