The way to deal with that unequal treatment is to create resource equity on par with what communities here in the United States on the mainland receive, period.

If that barrier exists--if I may, Ms. Bird--how can the individual, through individual grit, get over that barrier?

For 10 years, the Carcieri decision has caused anxiety and confusion in Indian Country, creating dangerous legal ambiguities related to Indian trust lands. Today, we can finally end all that. We can remove the ambiguity and uncertainty…

When a Tribe applies to have land taken into trust through the Department of the Interior, local concerns are already strongly considered, even more so when the land is located away from existing reservation lands. However, I do recognize…

May I inquire as to how much time is remaining. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) has 10 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) has 15 minutes remaining.

Upholding the establishment of Tribal homelands should be, and is, one of the most important actions that this Congress can take. It is not just about tax-exempt status or economic development, both of which are vitally important to Tribal…

To address a point that was brought up during the debate on this bill, that the Mashpee Tribe will not lose its Federal recognition if H.R. 312 does not pass. That is true. We have never stated the Federal recognition was in jeopardy. What…

I hope that we can resolve some issues surrounding this school, and we can work to ensure that Native students feel safe.

It is our responsibility to uphold a high standard for education, generally; but for Indian education as well.

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.

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

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.