John Hansen: “H.R. 3055 clarifies the long standing rights of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to govern themselves within a…”

“H.R. 3055 clarifies the long standing rights of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to govern themselves within a small area at the northern edge of Everglades National Park while protecting the Everglades environment and restoration. The bill sets aside 667 acres for the use of the Miccosukee Tribe at the northern edge of the Everglades National Park along the Tamiami Trail where the Miccosukee Tribe currently lives with existing schools, government center, health clinic, police and gas stations, restaurant, many similar buildings, and over 100 homes. H.R. 3055 represents along protracted series of negotiations between the Tribe and the administration, and the version before us is a true settlement of the issues involving the rights of the Tribe, Everglades National Park, Everglades restoration and clean water concerns. This bill eliminates ambiguities which lead to unnecessary conflict, while both carrying out the original Congressional intent of the 1934 act that the Indians shall be allowed to remain within the park and protecting the Everglades environment at the same time. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3055.”