the IRA's goal was to, and I quote, "rehabilitate the Indians' economic life, and to give him a chance to develop the initiative destroyed by a century of oppression and paternalism."

The return of land to the tribes was and continues to be critical to restoring the tribal way of life.

We must ensure that tribes are treated with the fairness and dignity they rightfully deserve.

This is why the Carcieri decision has been so troubling in Indian Country.

The shameful allotment and assimilation periods of the late 19th and 20th century was nothing short of a disastrous time for Native people.

the purpose of the IRA provisions for fee-to-trust acquisitions was to address energy projects, housing, infrastructure (hospitals, schools, etc.) and reduce checkerboarding.

I think it is really important for us to move forward on a clean Carcieri fix, and I hope that we can work together in a bipartisan way to move forward and continue with our work.

I wanted to associate myself with the comments from my colleagues from California regarding offshore drilling in the coast of California.

I simply want to say that we have heard over and over in this meeting that there was very little tribal consultation before introducing this legislation.

I understand that. In your statement you say IHS has existing authorities to implement adverse employment actions.

Well, that commitment hasn't shown, sir. It is obvious to me by all of the witnesses that they have tried time and time again to provide to you, to your department, feedback. And yet that feedback has fallen to deaf ears.