Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. McEachin). Mr. McEACHIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Soto for yielding. I also want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), my friend and colleague, for bringing this legislation forward. I rise, 410 years after the first English settlers landed in what became Jamestown, Virginia, to finally grant Federal recognition to some of the Native American tribes who met those early settlers. Today, with the passage of H.R. 984, we are recognizing the rightful status of Virginia tribes in our national history. It is largely a historical accident that the tribes of Virginia are not recognized. The six tribes have treaties that predate the United States, but because of the systematic destruction of their records, they have been denied Federal recognition for the services that come along with it. We are fixing this injustice today by passing H.R. 984. Federal recognition will provide what the government has long denied: legal protections and financial obligations. Federal recognition will provide financial assistance for the tribes' social services, their healthcare, their housing needs, educational opportunities, and repatriation of the remains of their ancestors in a respectful manner. These opportunities will allow Virginia's tribes to flourish culturally and economically. These opportunities will lead to a better, brighter future for the next generation.…”