Political Quotes

“Madam President, Heidi Heitkamp and I share much in common. Although we sit on different sides of the aisle, we represent resource States, we represent significant populations of Native Americans, and we are each fiercely independent women who have tended to vote our conscience over party on the toughest issues of our time. We are also the best of friends off the court. So it will come as no surprise to those who know us that I am heartbroken that my friend will not be returning to serve alongside me in the next Congress. Our collaborations over the past 6 years have been very productive. We partnered on creating the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, a body named for respected Elders from each of our States. The commission has been stood up and is now operating. I am hopeful that the commission will conclude its work with recommendations that we can adopt into law. The adoption of those recommendations will be a fitting legacy for my friend, the Senator from North Dakota. Senator Heitkamp and I have also collaborated on Savanna's Act, which is the first piece of legislation to specifically address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native women and girls in America. This cause is so very important to my friend, as it is to me, but I would like to share a story about my friend that is so telling about her commitment and her character.…”