Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation, which is being co-sponsored by my colleagues J.D. Hayworth of Arizona and Chris Cannon of Utah, that provides for the leasing of oil and gas rights on certain lands held in trust for the Navajo Nation or allotted to a member of the Navajo Nation.

Over time the number of owners with an interest in an allotment is compounded or fractionated. This unique system has not served the Navajo people well.

The bill I am introducing today will facilitate the leasing of Navajo allotted land for oil and gas development by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to approve oil and gas leases on Navajo allotted lands when less then 100 percent of the owners agree to such lease.

This legislation would correct a serious problem facing the Navajo people in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico--the issue of 'fractionated lands.'

This legislation however, creates a program under the Department of the Interior to preserve twenty-six archeological sites in the Galisteo Basin.

The Galisteo Basin has a rich cultural history dating back to 1598 when Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the area and found thriving Pueblo Indian communities.

By preserving these sites, we should be able to preserve the history and culture embodied in these sites for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce legislation to provide for the protection of various historical sites in the Galisteo Basin of New Mexico.

Protecting what remains of the early pueblo communities is important to New Mexicans and to those who seek an understanding of early Southwestern history.

I am confident that this chamber realizes the importance of this bill in preserving New Mexican history for current and future generations.

Today, I rise to introduce the Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999.

In summary, this legislation creates a situation in which the federal government, the State of New Mexico, and the people of Rio Arriba County all benefit.

This legislation provides for a transfer by the Secretary of Interior of real property and improvements at an abandoned and surplus ranger station in the Carson National Forest to Rio Arriba County.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation, which is being cosponsored by my colleague from New Mexico, Heather Wilson, that provides for the transfer of an unwanted facility and federal land to the people of Rio Arriba County, NM.

With the bipartisan support of the New Mexico delegation, I am confident that this chamber realizes that this bill is good for New Mexico.