If this is the goal, then management decisions should reflect the actual status of the fish stock, based on adequate data and accurate scientific models.

Clearly, gaming has become what Congress intended: 'a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments.'

the unchecked proliferation of off-reservation Indian gaming is a myth

The BIA's recent approval--some would say 'rubber-stamping' --of certain trust land applications over the objections of other tribes and surrounding communities is causing public support to erode for tribal gaming.

I applaud this record growth in large part because many Indian tribes use gaming revenues to fund economic development activities on reservations.

This economic development engine--which is not dependent on federally appropriated dollars--is particularly crucial during these difficult economic times.

[f]or hundreds of tribal governments there is simply too much at stake to open the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act up to amendments on the floor of either the House or Senate.

the Obama administration, as well as the Bush administration that preceded it, already has made it exceedingly difficult for Indian tribes to acquire off-reservation land in trust for gaming

[i]f enacted into law, H.R. 1410 would prevent any Arizona tribe from circumventing existing Federal authorities to conduct gaming off-reservations.

It should be the objective of this committee to consider reforming Federal gaming policy to address growing opposition to off-reservation gaming.

H.R. 1410 in fact reneges on the promises the United States made to the Nation in the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act.

I introduced bipartisan legislation in the House this year that would provide a clean fix to that misguided decision.

I strongly believe that the Sealaska Corporation has the best interest of its shareholders, some 20,000 Alaskan Natives, in mind when it proposed transferring ownership of lands into Tongass National Forest under H.R. 740.

It is critical that Sealaska complete its remaining land entitlement under ANCSA in order to continue to meet the economic, social and cultural needs of its Native shareholders.

I hope that this Subcommittee can assist the parties in finding a reasonable and agreeable solution.

The education center under the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall would be a fitting testament to the soldiers who have given their lives to protect our country.

help [to] fulfill a trust obligation this Congress created in 1920 that recognized it was necessary to return Native Hawaiians to the land in order to preserve their culture, their tradition and values.

Title VIII of NAHASDA is more than an affordable housing initiative--it is a critical piece of legislation for the people of Hawai`i.

These programs aren't handouts and they are certainly more than simply numbers in the federal budget.

Owning a home has long been a pillar of the American dream.

To me the consequence of that would have been absolutely devastating for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

This trust responsibility to the native Hawaiian people has since been reaffirmed by federal legislation aimed at protecting native Hawaiians on their land.

I cannot impress upon everyone how critical this bill is, because it will be the funding mechanism for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

It is our solemn charge as Hawaii's representatives to make sure that the U.S. Congress understands and fulfills its obligations to Native Hawaiians.

Fairness and equity should be something that governs our budget, and we cannot continue to expect us or the other states and our insular territories to bear that burden.