Markwayne Mullin: “for 8 years, beginning with my time in the House, I have worked on the Miami-Illinois Land Claim Settlement Act, which…”

“for 8 years, beginning with my time in the House, I have worked on the Miami-Illinois Land Claim Settlement Act, which is now S. 2796. I want to thank Chief Lankford of the Miami Tribe for his assistance to move this bill forward and to help lay out a solid, factual background before the Indian Affairs Committee, which is why it uniquely came out of the committee. This is a unique piece of legislation. The Miami Tribe is not seeking a settlement for their treaty claim or an appropriation from Congress. This is zero cost to Congress. The Miami Tribe--or ``My-am-uh'' Tribe-- is not seeking a settlement. The Tribe is simply asking Congress to do what only Congress can: to extinguish the Tribe's treaty title claim to the land in Illinois. First, this bill will remove a cloud on the title for non-Indian landowners in eastern and central Illinois, benefiting the Tribe and non-Tribal members alike. Second, the bill will allow the Tribe the opportunity to plead their case before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This is a straightforward bill, cosponsored by both of my colleagues from Illinois, Senator Durbin and Senator Duckworth. The Miami Tribe has waited long enough to get this done, and it is time to act. Madam President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 489, S.…”