Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to appropriate funds for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and the Bureau of Indian Education because our Native Americans cannot sustain another day of this Washington gridlock. In my home State of Montana, we have seven Indian reservations and also the State-recognized Little Shell Tribe, and we are working right now to get Federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Native Americans encompass 6 percent of Montana's population, but on our reservations, unemployment can rise as high as 50 percent. The Indian Health Service and the Bureaus of Indian Affairs and Indian Education can literally be lifelines for many. Earlier this year, when I visited the Salish Kootenai College, I learned about their slogan: ``Grounded in Tradition, Charging into the Future.'' Our reservations want to be self-sustaining, but without adequate health services, education, and economic opportunities, that goal is unattainable. I want our Native children to be able to thrive in my home State of Montana. That is why I support this resolution today.”