Alcee Hastings: “I am proud to stand up today and speak on behalf of H.R. 3055, the Miccosukee Reserve Area Act. This is a very important…”

“I am proud to stand up today and speak on behalf of H.R. 3055, the Miccosukee Reserve Area Act. This is a very important bill which will carry out the long-standing intent of Congress in preserving and protecting the rights of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. This bill has been truly a bipartisan effort with my Florida colleagues, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough) joining me as cosponsors. Additionally, the bill now enjoys the support of many other Members of the Florida delegation, and I appreciate their support of this legislation. I also want to point out, Madam Speaker, how appreciative I am of the gentleman from Utah (Chairman Hansen). He has been working with me since the 104th Congress to move this bill expeditiously, and I thank the gentleman, as I do the ranking member and their respective staffs, who have worked tirelessly with me and with the United States Senate in trying to bring this matter to a resolution. Madam Speaker, these Native Americans seek nothing more than what we promised them when we passed the park bill in 1934, nothing more than what was said on the floor of this House, nothing more than the Department of the Interior confirmed in the special use permit.”