[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 100 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            INDIAN TRIBES MUST ALSO HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE

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                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 1995
  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing legislation today that 
would add native American representation to the Advisory Commission on 
Intergovernmental Relations. Since its inception in 1959, this 
Commission which is composed of governmental officials from all levels 
of government has never included representatives from the oldest 
existing governments in this country--American Indian and Alaska Native 
tribes. The bill that I am introducing today will correct this 
egregious omission.
  Federally recognized Indian tribes maintain a government-to-
government relationship with the United States. Since the formation of 
this Nation the Congress, the courts, and the executive have recognized 
the sovereign status of Indian tribes and through treaties, Executive 
orders, and other means have dealt with tribes on a government-to-
government basis. Furthermore, the United States has undertaken a 
solemn trust responsibility with respect to the protection and 
enhancement of the native American tribes.
  It is almost shocking, but yet not surprising, that the more than 550 
native American tribes in our country have been overlooked by the 
Commission for 36 years. My bill would expand the number of members on 
the Commission from 26 to 30 by adding 4 native American tribal 
officials to be appointed by the President from a list of 8 candidates 
selected by the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee 
on Indian Affairs. Because the Governors and mayors each have four 
representatives on the Commission, it seems that four is an appropriate 
number of representatives for Indian country as well.
  Mr. Speaker, for too long we have neglected to invite our native 
American tribal leaders to be active and meaningful participants in our 
democratic form of government. In order for the Commission to truly 
fulfill its purpose of bringing together the various forms of 
government for consideration of common problems, Indian tribes must 
also have a seat at the table.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  

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