Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Hastings amendment, which is unnecessary and, frankly, insulting to Native Hawaiians. We can no longer treat Native Hawaiians as any less deserving of Federal recognition than other indigenous people. Citizens of one State don't get to approve or disapprove the laws of another State or proposed amendments to another State's constitution. This is also true of native governments in the United States. Citizens of States that include Indian nations or tribes are not able to approve or disapprove governing documents of these native governments unless they are also citizens of the native government in question. This bill provides a process of self-determination for Native Hawaiians by Native Hawaiians. The idea that everyone else in Hawaii should vote on whether they should be allowed to do so is completely contrary to the intent of this bill. The Hastings amendment undercuts a basic principle in our constitutional principle of government, that citizens have a right to determine their own laws and be governed by those laws. It would set a precedent that could have negative consequences on other native and even State governments. Put more bluntly, unless you believe that citizens of other States should be able to vote to approve or amend the organic governing documents of your own State, you should oppose the Hastings amendment. I urge my colleagues to do so.”