Congress Passes Sen. Cramer's Legislation to Rename "Sullys Hill" to "White Horse Hill"

Statement

U.S. Senator and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced today Congress passed his legislation to change the name of "Sullys Hill," a National Game Preserve within the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation to its traditional Dakota name, "White Horse Hill." This was Senator Cramer's first bill to pass the Senate.

"Even as a deeply divided Congress remains consumed with partisan bickering over the major issues of our day, I am glad we were able to put politics aside to pass this legislation," said Senator Cramer. "Changing the name of a Game Preserve in North Dakota may seem like a small matter to some, but it is no small matter to the people of Spirit Lake. I am glad we did not wait another day to fix it."

Senator Cramer's legislation was included as part of the appropriations package Congress passed today.

"Sullys Hill" is named after Civil War and Indian Wars military officer, General Alfred Sully, who gained his reputation by carrying out several massacres of Native Americans, including one of the greatest in North Dakota's history.

At the request of the tribe, the North Dakota Congressional Delegation introduced this bill in July. In September, it advanced through the EPW Committee, where Senator Cramer delivered remarks advocating for its passage. EPW Committee Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE) praised Senator Cramer's work on this legislation during the EPW hearing.

"Quite simply, this is the right thing to do, and I want to thank Senator Cramer for his work," said Ranking Member Carper.

In November, the Senate passed this bill by Unanimous Consent at the request of Senator Cramer.

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