HOH Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act

Floor Speech

Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1061, the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act, which declares that certain federal land in the state of Washington is held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Hoh Indian Tribe.

I would like to thank Speaker PELOSI for her leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman NORM DICKS, the author of this legislation, who worked so hard to help this tribe solve the serious land and water problems they face.

Madam Speaker, the Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act directs the Secretary of the Interior, on conveyance of certain nonfederal land owned by the Tribe to the Secretary, to take such land into trust for the Tribe. This bill prohibits the placement of commercial, residential, or industrial buildings or other structures, any actions that would adversely affect the natural environment, or logging and hunting activities. H.R. 1061 also directs the Secretary and the Tribe to make cooperative agreements for mutual emergency fire aid and to provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the Tribe's culture and traditions.

As a long time friend and supporter of the Native American community, I am so pleased to champion a bill such as H.R. 1061, which will help the Hoh tribe grow and prosper on lands that are safe for their children and elders.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1061.

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