Political Quotes

“Madam President, this month is Native American Heritage Month. During this month, we honor the contributions of American Indians and also, of course, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiians. We don't have to look very far to see how Native Americans continue fighting for their heritage. They really must fight for their heritage. If you pick up a newspaper or turn to the news on any channel you want, you will see what is happening at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is opposing the construction of a portion of the Dakota Access Pipeline that passes near their reservation where it crosses the Missouri River. They are concerned that the construction of the pipeline could not only destroy ancestral burial grounds but could also contaminate the water supply for the tribe, as well as for millions of others who depend on water from the Missouri River. The Standing Rock Sioux are fighting for their land, the right to clean water, clean air, and their history. They are not alone. The Standing Rock Sioux have been joined by thousands of others, including members of hundreds of tribes throughout the United States. Last month, while I was in Nevada, members of the 27 Native American tribes we have in Nevada made it clear to me that they stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux. But I do too. Here is why. Here is why I join with the Standing Rock Sioux in calling for an alternative route for the pipeline's construction.…”