Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, and I thank my good friend Congressman Young from Alaska for his remarks. Long denied the recognition and rights accorded to America's other indigenous people, this bill will finally enable Native Hawaiians to embark on their long-awaited process of achieving self-determination. I would like to thank Chairman Rahall for his leadership and general support of this important bill. And, of course, I want to recognize and thank my friend Congressman Abercrombie, the bill's chief sponsor, for his years of advocacy for this bill and for his dedicated service to our State and to our country. It is fitting that one of his last legislative actions before his departure from this body will be on the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, a bill that we both care deeply about. How we treat our native indigenous people reflects our values and who we are as a country. Clearly there is much in the history of our interactions with the native people of what is now the United States that makes us less than proud. The American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, all indigenous people, have suffered at the hands of our government. But one of the great attributes of America has always been the ability to look objectively at our history, learn from it, and, when possible, to make amends. H.R. 2314 has been more than 10 years in the making.…”