Daniel Akaka

I urge the Committee to expedite the confirmation of these nominees.

It is providing opportunities for U.S. businesses to contribute to our Nation's international economic competitiveness at a time when the Nation is struggling to recover from the recession.

It helps to create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers.

I am very, very proud to join you in welcoming a distinguished constituent and a long-time friend of mine and her family.

The Federal Government firmly embraced the policy of self-determination and self-governance toward Native peoples.

The real root barrier to economic development for any Native peoples, whether on trust lands or anywhere in our homelands, is the ability to take responsibility and control of our assets and resources under the federal policy of…

The FHA 247 and 184, Senator Akaka, as I mentioned, limit access to capital.

We recommend the enactment of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act by the Congress, which would extend the Federal policy of self government to the Native Hawaiian people.

Critical to any self-sufficient community is a healthy economy.

Many of the barriers to economic development Alaska Native and American Indian communities struggle with such as remoteness, limited infrastructure, access to capital and trust land status are challenges Native Hawaiian communities must…

Today's hearing on Strengthening Self-Sufficiency: Overcoming Barriers to Economic Development in Native Communities is a very important topic for Native communities here in Hawaii and across our country.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at 2:15 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``The American Indian Probate Reform Act…

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at 2:15 p.m. in Room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building to conduct a hearing entitled ``Enforcing the Indian Gaming Regulatory…

The Tribes, as the primary beneficiaries of Indian gaming, have the greatest interest in making sure their operations are well run.

It is important that such a growth industry is well regulated for Tribal Governments, patrons and the beneficiaries of the gaming revenues.

Today, it is a $26 billion industry and there are 236 Tribes operating 422 gaming facilities in 28 States.

When the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed by Congress in 1988, Indian gaming was a $100 million industry.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and with all of you to make changes to improve FECA.

Thank you. Dr. Krohm, I understand that the majority of States have workers' compensation benefits that are similar to FECA in that they are payable for the duration of the disability with no reduction at retirement age.

Thank you very much. This question is for the panel and I would like to begin with Dr. Krohm.

Mr. Watson, your testimony indicates that NALC members who are on FECA generally want to return to work if they can.

It is very important that personal Social Security information is protected, and because of that, access to it always has been very limited.

Well, thank you for that. I would ask you to please provide your analysis.

Mr. Steinberg, if FECA recipients were transferred to the Federal retirement system from FECA, how would this change impact their other FECA benefits such as benefits for medical costs resulting from their injuries?

Today we will be reviewing a number of legislative proposals intended to modernize and improve this important Federal program.