On the recordOctober 17, 2011
I rise today to honor this weekend's passing of my friend Elouise Cobell--an extraordinary Montanan, American and American Indian. I am proud to have nominated her for the Congressional Gold Medal. As a role model for every American child, she deserves that highest honor. Elouise Pepion Cobell was a star--truly a guiding light that will always lead the way for all Americans who fight for justice and fairness. Elouise's tireless leadership set this Nation on a new course, and what she accomplished reminds us that any person in any part of this country has the power to stand up and right a wrong, no matter how difficult it may be. Sharla's and my thoughts and prayers are with Elouise's husband Alvin, her son Turk, and her entire family. We join the Blackfeet Nation and all Montanans in mourning, honoring and celebrating the life of an extraordinary Montanan. Future generations will learn about Elouise Cobell's legacy and they will be inspired to follow her lead. She will always be remembered as an American hero. I have many memories of Elouise. I first met her when I was a State Senator. I knew what she was working on but I never imagined she would ever get as far as she did. Not many people in this world have the determination in them that Elouise had. From those early days, until just a few weeks ago, I talked to her numerous times. She had been fighting the Federal Government in court for a decade, and wouldn't take ``no'' for an answer.…
