Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 789, the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act, introduced by Senator Rounds of South Dakota. Here in the House, the bill is led by my friend and colleague, Representative O'Halleran. This bill would repeal 11 antiquated Federal laws that pertain to American Indians and Alaska Natives. As this body is well aware, Federal Indian law has existed since the foundation of the United States, and it governs the relationship between the Federal Government, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. The policies and principles of Federal Indian law have undergone many transformations throughout American history, as it was once the policy of the Federal Government to commit violence and forced displacement against Tribal communities. Although the Federal Indian laws of today are better at upholding the principles of Tribal self-determination and sovereignty, many laws that reflect the prior Federal policy during the eras of genocide, removal, assimilation, or termination still remain as law. S. 789 will address this concern by repealing 11 outdated statutes, many of which pertain to the colonial and Indian boarding school eras. I thank Senator Rounds and Representative O'Halleran for introducing this legislation and ensuring that the Federal law reflects the respect that we hold for Indian Country. Mr.…”