I think it is also the purview of this Subcommittee to ensure that Indian education is held at a high standard.

The reason why this school is having its problems is because it does have a culture of essentially stonewalling.

I applaud you. These are the kind of hearings we need to, I think, provide us with a better look.

There has been a history of misuse and abuse. There has been a history, and I think that that is no longer an excuse.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today. I look forward to working with BIE leadership as we continue to provide opportunities for Native American students.

I believe the best work we can do in DC for our students is to empower our teachers and administrators to address student needs as quickly as possible.

It is both an institutional issue that we are dealing with and it is also a resource issue that we are dealing with.

I believe that BIE must be held accountable for their inaction in response to the concerns raised about Chemawa.

It makes it difficult for me to do my job as their elected official and impedes on our ability to have the open dialogue that is necessary to make progress at the school.

I am disheartened that Mr. Tahsuda and Director Dearman, both of whom were invited to testify today, chose not to come.

BIE and the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs have a responsibility to thousands of Native students, and I have a responsibility to my constituents and students in Oregon.