Political Quotes

“According to the letter from the Congress of American Indians, we are going to need approximately $300 million to take care of all of the needs of all of the tribes under this program. Mr. Chairman, $26 million, of course, as the gentleman from Mississippi pointed out, is a pittance. But the problem, as I see it, is lack of money. We just do not have enough money in this bill to take care of all of the tribes. I am told by staff there are 30 tribes that have not received any money under this arrangement. I do not think that is fair, either, just as the gentleman points out that the new distribution would severely penalize the tribe in his district. But the Congress is trying to find out, it does not agree with the $300 million figure. What it is trying to do is find out how much money is actually needed. That is why I suggested earlier, as we go into the conference, I for one, and I am sure the chairman too, will try to find out how much money is realistically available.”