On the recordNovember 19, 2019
I thank Representative Haaland, not just for giving me some time to speak, but for being such a terrific leader and being such an important voice, both for her district, and for people all over this country. She, along with Sharice Davids, are two superstars of the freshman class who have been just terrific in adding their voices to this body. I also want to recognize Gwen Moore who has just been a tremendous champion on behalf of Native Americans and has been a real leader on issues like the Violence Against Women Act and has made a tremendous amount of progress for Native Americans throughout this country. As was mentioned, November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the first Americans. I am proud to represent 11 Tribes that have called my region home since time immemorial. Each of these sovereign nations has their own unique culture and tradition and stories that add important threads to the fabric of our Nation. I think about some of the most extraordinary moments that I have had as a Representative: Visiting with the Quinault Indian Nation along with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and having conversations about some of the civil rights challenges, not just facing the Quinault Nation, but Native peoples throughout this country. Visiting the Makah Tribe during Makah Days, and going on a hike with the then-chairman of the Tribe, going out to the northwestern tip of the continental United States.…





