Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, based on recent conversations with the Committee on Energy and Commerce Democratic staff, I would also like to note that the Senate has included an amendment to the Federal Power Act in this bill that contains the definition of the term ``Indian Tribe'' for the purposes of section 7(a) of the act. The intent of the Senate seems to be to ensure that Alaska Natives are included within that term. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, currently and historically has interpreted the term ``Indian Tribe'' in the Federal Power Act to include Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations. Explicitly including this reference in the amended section 7(a) should in no way be interpreted to exclude Alaska Native villages or regional or village corporations within the meaning of the term ``Indian Tribe'' elsewhere in this act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”