On the recordFebruary 23, 2010
I am pleased to have this opportunity to come to the floor today to support Mr. Abercrombie's initiative on behalf of Native Hawaiians. It is a pursuit that he has followed in all of his years in the Congress of the United States. Aside from the considerable merit of his important legislation, which I fully support his amendment and his substitute and salute the work of Congresswoman Hirono, too, on behalf of Native Hawaiians and our colleagues gathered here, it is with mixed emotions that I come. I know you will be successful, as you always have been, in looking out for Native Hawaiians. For over 200 years, my colleagues, Congress, the executive branch, and the Supreme Court have recognized certain legal rights and protections for America's indigenous people. Congress' constitutional authority over indigenous affairs is premised upon their status as the original inhabitants of this Nation. It is the most moral and legal responsibility of Congress to reaffirm a political relationship with the native people of Hawaii. H.R. 2314 will achieve this purpose.
