Andrea Joy Campbell: “it is my pleasure and distinct honor to introduce, on behalf of myself and 31 other Senators, a joint resolution…”

“it is my pleasure and distinct honor to introduce, on behalf of myself and 31 other Senators, a joint resolution commemorating the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. This Museum was many years in the making. It's been 15 years since the bill authorizing the construction of the museum was signed into law, and that was only the beginning of a long, difficult path. There are many people who deserve praise and gratitude for their unstinting efforts in realizing this dream--far too many for me to name them all here. I would, however, like to honor two people in particular for their dedication and perseverance in seeing this task through to completion: my friend, colleague and vice chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, Daniel K. Inouye; and, Rick West, director of the National Museum of the American Indian, and my Southern Cheyenne brother. I consider myself fortunate that I was there at the beginning, serving in the House of Representatives when the museum was authorized, and I will be there on September 21, 2004, when the National Museum of the American Indian first opens its doors to the public. I consider the American people fortunate in that they now possess a remarkable resource for learning about Indian cultures and civilizations. I also consider American Indians fortunate that, finally, there is a national facility dedicated to and worthy of their cultures.”