Political Quotes

“today I rise to introduce legislation of great importance to my state, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2011. This bill would ensure parity in federal policy as it relates to the Native Hawaiian people. It would put them on equal footing with American Indians and Alaska Natives. I have sponsored this common-sense legislation since the 106th Congress. Last December, I spoke here on the Senate floor to reaffirm my commitment to enact this legislation. I made it clear then to my colleagues and my constituents that I would be reintroducing this legislation in the 112th Congress. I am moving forward with the legislation that was reported out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in the 111th Congress. Throughout my Senate career, I have been a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs. I have worked diligently with my colleagues on the Committee to champion legislation to improve conditions for our Native communities across the United States. At the beginning of the 112th Congress, I became the Chairman of this Committee. I look forward to working on the many pressing issues for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Reconciliation between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people will be a top priority. In 1993, I sponsored a measure commonly known as the Apology Resolution. This resolution was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.…”