Political Quotes

“I today I am introducing legislation that aims to reduce traffic-related pedestrian fatalities in Native American communities while also improving public health and quality of life. First, let's be clear. Everyone in this country deserves reliable options to travel safely from one place to another. Everyone deserves roads that connect us to each other and expand our horizons. But the sad truth is that not everyone in this country has safe, reliable roads that foster connections and expand horizons. That is especially true in Native American communities. The adverse statistics surrounding the safety and health of Indigenous peoples are staggering. Vehicle-related unintentional injury is the No. 1 cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 1 through 44. It is also the third overall cause of death for all American Indians and Alaska Natives, of any age or gender. While unsafe roadways put lives at risk, inadequate or unreliable transportation options create obstacles for everyday life, making it more difficult to simply access healthy groceries, schools, quality health care, emergency services and economic opportunities. Immobility for individuals within Indian Country reinforces barriers to education, quality healthcare, and economic opportunity. Meanwhile, Native American communities face disproportionately higher prevalence of diabetes and other heart disease.…”