Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), cochair of the Native American Caucus in the House. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendment Act. Native Americans have served in our Armed Forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group, even while being denied the right to vote and full citizenship in this country. Their contributions include 27 recipients of the Medal of Honor and code talkers, whose native languages became the unbreakable code, keeping America safe, keeping America strong. A permanent memorial for these brave men and women will ensure all Americans are able to honor and remember their sacrifice. While construction of such a memorial has been authorized since 1994, this bill offers critical amendments to make it a reality. It allows the National Museum of the American Indian to build the memorial on its grounds and permits the museum to work with the National Congress of American Indians in raising funding. This honor is past due for the thousands of Native American veterans and servicemembers and their families, and I urge my colleagues to join me, to join all of us in giving thanks for their service by supporting this bill.”