Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this amendment would ensure this bill would not take effect if the withdrawal in question is proven to affect development or economic value of Native American mineral rights on allotments. Private property rights are a fundamental American ideal. The 316,000-acre withdrawal this bill creates includes substantial parcels of privately held land, much of which is owned by Native American allottees. The benefits of owning mineral rights are obvious for Native communities. In 2015 alone, the Federal Indian Mineral Office distributed $96 million to more than 20,000 allottees around the country. At the June 5, 2019, hearing on H.R. 2181, the Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony from Delora Hesuse, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, Nageezi chapter, and a Navajo allottee, who owns mineral resources in the proposed area. Ms. Hesuse testified that H.R. 2181 would ``put many of our mineral rights off limits and stop a much-needed source of income to feed, shelter, clothe, and protect our families.'' Apparently, the voices of Ms. Hesuse and other allottees who have spoken to the committee have not been heard. This amendment is an effort to acknowledge that their livelihoods could be drastically diminished by this legislation.…”