Frank Pallone: “while I respect my colleague from Arizona, I do not think this is the right time or right vehicle to consider this…”

“while I respect my colleague from Arizona, I do not think this is the right time or right vehicle to consider this issue. As we have seen time and time again, the Native American Caucus has been unified on amendments and bills that benefit Indian Country. Today that is not the situation. Mr. Chairman, as Members know, I have been a long supporter of both tribal sovereignty and workers rights, as have many in this body. But the amendment we are considering now could have far-reaching implications on these issues and should not be acted upon in a hasty fashion. Several States, such as California and New York, have previously worked out agreements with Native American tribes on this very issue. Currently, similar negotiations are underway to find a more permanent solution for all of Indian Country. Even if the Hayworth amendment is passed today and becomes law, it is not a permanent fix. We will be back here again next year debating the same issue. We should be looking for a permanent solution, and we should allow all parties to continue to work out an agreement and not move this amendment today.”