On the recordMarch 23, 2015
I want to thank my friend Ms. Moore for yielding and for her leadership on this very important issue. I also thank Mr. Pearce, Mr. Young, Mr. Cole on the other side, as well as Ms. Gabbard, whom I have worked with on this legislation, along with Mr. Heck and, now, Mr. Takai. I think what this legislation proves is that when we set out to solve a problem and focus on the things that we can agree upon, we can get a lot done. This is a good bill. It is not the bill that any one of us individually would have written had we been left alone to produce this legislation with only our own perspectives and our own interests. It is a bill that is a result of compromise. There are elements of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, that I would prefer not have been included; and I am sure Mr. Pearce and others are aware that I would have preferred that the pilot program that allows for a form of privatization, a direct grant to private developers, not be included. I would prefer that the entirety of the funds be used specifically to empower tribes, and tribes alone, to determine the use of the dollars. After all, they have had the ability to make those decisions and enter into agreements with private individuals as well. I only say that to make sure that the Record is clear and that I state my objection to that particular portion, but to help point out a larger, I think, more important point. I am sure Mr. Pearce, Mr. Cole, and Mr.…
