Andrea Joy Campbell: “first, I thank Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman. I know, probably better than most in this Chamber, the exemplary…”

“first, I thank Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman. I know, probably better than most in this Chamber, the exemplary voting record they have had and the strong voice they have been in supporting American Indians nationwide, people who very often are left out and do not have a very strong voice in the Congress. They do not have all the lobbyists that many groups have. They do not have the input that many other groups have. I know both these Senators have done a great job for them. In this particular case, my friend and colleague, Senator Inouye, the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, is going to move to table the amendment offered by Senators Dodd and Lieberman. I reluctantly say it is the right thing to do for our colleagues to vote to table. During the time we have been considering the fiscal year 2003 Interior appropriations bill and Senator Dodd's amendment, the Committee on Indian Affairs has held a hearing on two bills to address the Federal acknowledgment process introduced by both of these great Senators. I know of no one who has said the Bureau of Indian Affairs is doing everything right, and we constantly review the actions of the Bureau in our committee. I believe the process that governs how the United States recognizes Indian tribes should be transparent, timely, and afford due process to petitioners.”