Let me add my welcome to Chairman Bernanke to the Committee and to thank you so much for your tireless leadership in these challenging times.

The United States has recognized that the trust responsibility to Native nations means supporting and advancing their ability to be self-determining and self-sufficient.

We must ensure that the federal recognition process is fair and transparent.

I am truly appreciative for the manner in which Senator Akaka has been a champion for not only Native Hawaiians but also for the critical issues confronting non-federally recognized American Indian Tribes.

We must ensure the survival of the many Native nations who have called these lands home long before Columbus first set sail.

The people of the United States have long acknowledged that our Nation has a special relationship with and responsibility to our indigenous peoples.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on July 12, 2012, in room SD-628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Federal…

I rise today to introduce legislation to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA. I thank Senators Boozman, Whitehouse, and Crapo for joining me in sponsoring this bill that will…

It is good to see you again, Mrs. Petraeus.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on June 28, 2012, in room SD-628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a business meeting to consider the…

A poll conducted in conjunction with the Treasury Department and the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy found that, of current servicemembers and military spouses polled, one in four reported having more than $10,000 in…

I worked with Senator Carper and others to enact the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act.

I do not think at that time the government really recognized the cost associated with a current program.

I ask unanimous consent that further reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To establish the Office of Tribal Relations in the Office…

I call up my amendment and speak in favor of amendment No. 2396, a bipartisan amendment Senator Thune and I are offering to the farm bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.

I rise today to speak in favor of amendment No. 2440 to the farm bill. This amendment would improve implementation of an existing program at USDA which provides loans to purchasers of highly fractionated Indian lands. One unfortunate…

Today we are holding a hearing on taxation of Tribal governments and individual Tribal members.

Given its success, there is also strong support for the NACA program in Congress.

Federal Indian policy is rooted in the United States Constitution, in its treaties and its Federal statutes.

Tribes have never been opposed to contributing to the well-being of the Country or doing their fair share.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on June 14, 2012, in room SD 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``New Tax Burdens…

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet during the session of the Senate on June 7, 2012, in room SD 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Universal Service…

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on May 24, 2012, in room SD 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 12:45 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Programs and Services for Native Veterans.''…

I thank you for all you have done over your career to assist and empower all veterans but in particular, Native veterans.

I would like to announce that the Committee on Indian Affairs will meet on May 24, 2012, in room SD 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ``Programs and Services for Native Veterans.'' Those…