Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 789, the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act, also known as the RESPECT Act. This legislation would repeal several antiquated and outdated Federal laws directed at Native Americans. It is a bill that is long overdue.

During the mid-1800s and the mid-1900s, the Federal Government attempted to assimilate Native Americans by disrupting traditional community structures and ways of life.

S. 789 repeals 11 statutes passed during that time that are obsolete and have been unenforced for decades.

Federal Indian policy today recognizes the unique sovereign status of Tribal governments and supports government-to-government relationships between the United States and each of the hundreds of recognized Tribes across our country.

S. 789 is part of that policy, acknowledging that these laws unfortunately existed and that they should be formally repealed and removed from the United States Code.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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