Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6124, the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act. I am pleased to support this common sense, bipartisan bill that will extend a basic right to tribal leaders across the country: the ability to retire with dignity and security. Astonishing as it may seem, elected tribal leaders, including those who have already paid into Social Security, can no longer contribute to--or access the benefits of--this critical safety net program. After a lifetime of service to their communities, tribal leaders shouldn't have to struggle to make ends meet. They deserve the same access to Social Security as every other American. This speaks to a broader problem, Mr. Speaker. As the first inhabitants of our homeland, the interests of Native Americans should be a primary consideration when federal policy makers go to work--not an afterthought. But, too often, the unique considerations of Indian Country are just that . . . an afterthought. Nevertheless, every decision we make in this body--from the Farm Bill to healthcare to tax policy--every decision we make impacts our Native American brothers and sisters. Earlier today, in the Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, we heard from the tribe whose members helped the Pilgrims survive that first winter in Plymouth. Their good will is part of the reason you and I are here today. Moving forward, it's incumbent upon us to demonstrate the same generosity of spirit that was shown to our nation's founders.…”