They are your islands of poverty amidst a sea of plenty.

I do hope that we can get the Little Shell Recognition Bill across the finish line.

The overriding concern that presents itself in Indian Country, and what this legislation seeks to address, is the absence of fully functioning economies on far too many reservations.

Sovereignty is a big issue in Indian Country.

When there is bipartisan support for a bill like there is with the Little Shell, it would be great to get it done.

Rather we seek to determine our own economic future and note that all labor has dignity and importance.

This bill will help promote tribal economic development by investing in small business where it is needed, on the reservation.

Between 2010 and 2014, BIA contracting was between 7 percent and 13 percent. You had said that the Buy Indian Act goal should be 100 percent. That is a pretty good gap.

If we are impeding upon sovereignty, it is over with.

While economic opportunity should be afforded to all Americans, an examination of this legislation and the historical economic literature and lessons involving Native American entrepreneurs also reveal unique impediments in starting…

But we are not without hope, for conditions can be established and sustained by which new and existing American Indian entrepreneurs can be successful.

These issues translate into fewer on-reservation businesses, fewer jobs in tribal communities, and Native youth having to leave home in search of opportunities elsewhere.

I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record speeches that I had previously given in Montana for four Congressional Medal citations. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows…

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Jon Tester, Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Tom Udall for the introduction of Senate Bill 3261--The Native American Business Incubators Program Act.

data has become a form of currency. Today, businesses and government are processing and storing more information than ever. This creates access, organization, and security problems for government agencies using outdated, legacy IT systems…

data has become a form of currency. Today, businesses and government are processing and storing more information than ever. This creates access, organization, and security problems for government agencies using outdated, legacy IT systems…

I thank Senator Sullivan. What an honor to stand here today next to two lieutenant colonels-- Lieutenant Colonel Ernst and Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan. Lieutenant Colonel Ernst was the first woman to ever serve in combat and also serve in…

I want to applaud the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Reauthorization, as it strengthens security, provides for critical aviation infrastructure, and maintains access to affordable travel for Montanans as well as the…