Daniel Akaka

Enacting stronger protections so whistle blowers can come forward without fear of retaliation is one of my top priorities.

I think that this hearing is another vital step as we work to improve the services our veterans have earned and deserve.

Now, it is our turn to look after them and to get them access to the care they need.

While we continue to improve educational benefits such as the G.I. Bill, job training, and other opportunities through legislation spearheaded by the Chairman, we must keep working to improve the mental health provided to our veterans.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 2:15 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``Deficit Reduction and Job Creation…

Earlier this year, I re-introduced the bipartisan legislation to protect whistleblowers.

Thank you very much.

We certainly want to tell you to try to work on it.

When we invest in Indian Country, we are making investments that impact all of us.

It is important for us to look at where tribes have been successful and support those efforts.

Well, thank you very much. I want to thank our witnesses very much for your responses.

Your success in creating food products that promote a Native American way of wellness that feeds mind, body, and spirit is impressive and inspiring.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Uncertainty has really plagued the Indian communities.

It is also important to talk about the limitations of restrictions in Federal law or policy that hinder economic prosperity.

Sustainable economic development provides a key to self-determination for Indian tribes.

We commend you, Chairman Akaka, as well as your many colleagues who have joined you in cosponsoring this historic legislation.

We appreciate that Senator Begich, Chairman Akaka, and this Committee, are willing to roll up your sleeves to help us put into place locally-controlled, culturally-relevant practices to help reduce social problems.

Violence against Native women has reached epidemic rates.

I thank the Committee for its long-standing interest in these critically important issues, and I especially thank Chairman Akaka for drafting and introducing Senate Bill 1763, the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act.

Such a law would empower villages to step off the sidelines waiting for the troopers and to take action necessary to save one of their own.

Something must be done to stop the cycle of violence.

The current legal structure for prosecuting domestic violence in Indian Country is inadequate.

Tribal courts have no authority at all to prosecute a non-Indian.

Today, I think we would all agree that making the Commandant a voting member was the correct decision.