Ben Ray Luján

Letter to Rep. Bishop and Rep. Grijalva for the record in support of protecting the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Our budget priorities must reflect our priorities for safe and healthy communities, which requires the resources to combat and treat substance abuse.

This project is part of a larger plan to not only upgrade and extend high-speed broadband access across the State but transform our State's economy.

I certainly hope that we can find more common ground as we talk about the commonalities and the kind words that I just read, which I agree with wholeheartedly.

These areas either do not have high-speed access to the internet or it is available only at speeds that are insufficient for the bandwidth intensive applications essential for delivering programs such as telemedicine, distance learning…

Absolutely. Let's make sure that we're doing our part as well.

Absolutely. Let's make sure we're doing our part, as well.

The longest drive I have is about 8-1/2 hours drive time.

the importance of partnerships between the Federal Government, local governments, and private entities to be able to implement this, the importance of standards.

A lot of conversation as to what we need to get done here with the implementation of this, and I think in the end what we can all certainly agree on is that we all want to make sure that we have more consistent treatment, better outcomes…

Thank you very much, Mr. Clarke.

It's been great to get to know you. Appreciate your leadership.

In its recent guidance on the tax-exempt status of settlement funds, the IRS relied on, I quote, 'the source of funds and origins of claims principles in making its determination.'

Let me be clear: As a matter of Federal Indian tax policy based on over a century of treaties, respect for tribal sovereignty and empowerment of tribe self-determination, funds derived from trust resources that are distributed on a per…

If the IRS is engaged or intends to engage in efforts to tax per capita distributions, as our tribal witnesses today will testify, it should cease such efforts immediately.

I think your testimony covers this.

So in consideration with the Yakama tribe's questions, they would fall into that category and they would be included?

Tribal governments, like State and local entities, are not subject to Federal taxation.

Shouldn't per capita income derived from trust resources be similarly tax exempt?

Why is there a difference in policy from November 18, 2011, to April 3, 2012?

I would like to know why we are hearing reports from tribal leaders testifying today that IRS action in the field is not consistent with existing tax policy.

This guidance is most welcome. It is now beyond dispute that these payments should be tax exempt as they originated as damages in part as a result of the Federal Government's mismanagement of tribal trust accounts.

So it seems to me that is why we are here today. It is not to simplify the question. It changes what is tax exempt and direction to constituencies.

That tribal trust lands are not subject to taxation has been settled law for some time.

It would be a grave injustice to tax revenues originating from lands held for the exclusive use and benefit of American Indians, who secured their property at a great cost.