Political Quotes

“I am pleased to support this bill, which was introduced by my good friend, Representative Tim Johnson. This bill rights an old wrong by compensating the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe for the massive and devastating impact of the Pick-Sloan plan, which authorized the construction of two dams, the Big Bend and Fort Randall dams, on the best lands of the Crow Creek Tribe. The dams flooded the 15,000 acres of the tribe's best grazing and woodlands and displaced entire communities against their will. Although Congress was aware of the extent of the damage and passed legislation in 1962 to replace lost tribal infrastructure, buildings, and roads, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs never fulfilled our responsibility and commitment under the provisions of the law. I agree with Rep. Johnson of South Dakota that it is time we followed through on our promises to the tribe. It goes without saying that we have had a rather poor history of keeping our promises to the Indian tribes.”