Raul Ruiz

So, my suggestion, and the solution, would be--let's codify the criteria, make the changes from the old, broken system that we dislike to begin with.

This bill does not add transparency, does not add consistency, does not add scientific-based, does not make it less political than what we already have.

The old process was broken.

This bill does little to improve transparency or consistency in the Federal recognition process.

I appreciate your deep commitment to upholding the integrity of the government-to-government relationships between the United States and federally-recognized tribes, one that we share.

Eliminating the process and putting it in the hands of a hyper-partisan, dysfunctional Congress is counter-intuitive to the goals of transparency, consistency, and integrity.

In essence, the bill will disempower legitimate tribal groups and empower politicians, specifically the Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and the Speaker of the House.

It would take away the option for tribes to rightfully petition the government for Federal recognition in a more open, objective, scientific, evidence-based and transparent process.

This bill will weaken tribal self-determination and strengthen politicians' self-interest.

This bill would put the power to recognize tribes in the hands of the Chairman of this Committee and the Speaker of the House.

It is U.S. Code 25, U.S. Code 2 and 9, and 43 U.S. Code 1457 that granted the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs the authority to 'have management of all Indian affairs, and all matters arising out of Indian relations.'

I am actually very disappointed in Congressman LaMalfa, who would assume that Congress does not have hyper-partisan, dysfunction, inability during these times.

H.R. 3764 is a thinly veiled attempt to upend the legally-supported ability for the Secretary of the Interior to federally recognize Indian tribes.

Just because you asked me, I had to answer that.

If this bill passes the way it is written, those tribes may very well have to litigate whether they are legitimate.

The bill includes that very alarming provision that seems to call into question the lawful Federal recognition status for some tribes.

The best way we can accomplish this is to have tribal leaders at the table.

H.R. 3764 will take away the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acknowledge tribes, and places it solely in the hands of Congress.

I urge and advocate for tribal leaders to share their views on H.R. 3764 in this committee at a later date.

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This legislation will give survivors their benefits quicker and reduce the risk of financial harm to grieving family.

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This simple, commonsense legislation will provide VA the statutory authority to expedite payment of certain survivor benefits to eligible family members upon the death of a veteran.