Nick Rahall: “My purpose this morning, however, is not to speak to the more traditional environmental concerns of which I share, but…”

“My purpose this morning, however, is not to speak to the more traditional environmental concerns of which I share, but rather to draw attention to the destruction of sites located on Federal lands which are sacred to American Indians. Valley of Chiefs, Montana. This area contains historic rock art and is used for ceremonial purposes. Yet the Bush administration believes it is a pretty good place to drill for oil and gas. Indian Pass, California, a place where dream trails were woven. Yet the Bush administration has given the green light to a massive 1,600 acre open-pit gold mine there. There are many other examples. Most Americans understand a reverence for the great Sistine Chapel or a traditional church with steeple and a bell. I believe it is time we sound the alarm bell for Indian sacred sites and treat them with equal reverence. We are, after all, one Nation under God, and all of our religious beliefs must be protected.”