George P. Radanovich: “H.R. 1384, introduced by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) and amended by the Subcommittee on National Parks…”

“H.R. 1384, introduced by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) and amended by the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands, would authorize the Secretary of Interior to study the suitability of designating a series of routes that are to comprise the Long Walk National Historic Trail in Arizona and New Mexico as part of the National Trails System. Mr. Speaker, the Long Walk Trail is significant due to the fact that in the fall of 1863 and the winter of 1864, the United States Government forced thousands of Navajos and Mescalero Apaches to relocate from their ancestral lands in Arizona and New Mexico to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where the tribal members were held captive, virtually as prisoners of war, for over 4 years. During that time, thousands of Native Americans died at Fort Sumner from starvation, malnutrition, disease, exposure or conflicts between tribes and United States military personnel. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not controversial. It is supported by the majority and minority of the Committee on Resources and the administration. I urge an 'aye' vote on H.R. 1384.”