Pete Domenici: “this is a special day for New Mexicans. Earlier today, Congress accepted the statue of Po'pay, a man from San Juan…”

“this is a special day for New Mexicans. Earlier today, Congress accepted the statue of Po'pay, a man from San Juan Pueblo who played an important role in New Mexico's colonial history. The acceptance of this work marks the 100th contribution to the Statuary Hall Collection. On behalf of my home State, I give special recognition to sculptor Cliff Fragua, from Jemez Pueblo, for a job well done. He should be proud of his work. Cliff is the first American Indian artist to sculpt a statue for the Statuary Hall Collection. I also thank the New Mexico Statuary Hall Commission and Foundation for all their dedication and tireless effort in making this endeavor a terrific success. New Mexico's first statue in the collection is that of the late Senator Dennis Chavez. Unlike Senator Chavez, Po'pay was a leader of a different era. Po'pay was a leader among the Pueblo people during the latter part of the 17th century. He united the Pueblos and led the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This revolt made apparent the Pueblo Indians' desire to maintain their dignity and culture--both socially and spiritually. The Po'pay-led insurrection against the Spanish conquerors was at its core a basic human and American need to challenge oppressors. Yes, there have been incidences of intolerance in our State's more than 400-year history. Those early days were hard and oftentimes brutal.…”