Political Quotes

“Today I rise in strong support of H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009. I want to thank my dear friend and colleague Congressman Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii who introduced this legislation. As cochair of the Native American Caucus, I have had the privilege of working alongside him over the years to fight for a strong agenda for our Native communities. I applaud him for his work on this legislation that will finally reaffirm the inherent sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people. His dedication over the years should be commended and his service and friendship will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will once and for all clarify the relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States Government. Congress has passed over 150 statutes addressing the needs of Native Hawaiians. In 1993, Congress passed an apology bill acknowledging the role of the Unites States Government in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation in 1893. That bill recognized that the Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their inherent sovereignty. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2314, will finally provide for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian Government and provides for Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiians. It is long past time that we clarify that status of Native Hawaiians in this country. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this important legislation for Native Hawaiians.”