[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1830-E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING COCOPAH TRIBE CHAIRMAN PETER SOTO

                                 ______


                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great remorse that I inform my 
colleagues on the passing of a friend and a great leader of our native 
American community: Mr. Peter Soto, chairman of the Cocopah Nation.
  Pete, as a young man, received his education in Yuma, AZ. A firm 
believer that education was the key to success, Pete devoted himself to 
pursuing a degree, which he attained at Harvard University. After 
graduating, Pete returned to the Cocopah Nation and served as tribal 
vice chairman. During his tenure as the vice chairman, Pete worked with 
the Indian Education Program and the Yuma High School district.
  Completing his term as vice chairman, Pete assumed a position with 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Department. In that capacity, 
Pete was instrumental in developing and directing educational programs 
for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Pete was a strong advocate of 
education and was dedicated to improving the educational opportunities 
for our native American youth. Through his endeavors many of our young 
native Americans have received, and continue to receive, an education.
  In 1990, Pete returned to his nation to serve as the Cocopah tribal 
business facilitator. Pete strove to enhance and implement economic 
development for the Cocopah Nation. During this time he also served his 
community as vice chairman of the board of commissioners for the 
housing authority.
  On July 8, 1994, Pete was elected as chairman of the Cocopah Nation. 
Under his leadership, the nation began an extensive program to make 
education available to all members of his nation. Pete continued his 
strong advocacy of tribal economic development, and strove to develop 
business enterprises and to attract business investment to his nation.
  I would also like to recognize Pete for his dedicated service in 
defense of our Nation. 

[[Page E 1831]]
Pete served with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.
  I share with my friends of the Cocopah Nation a deep personal loss. 
The Cocopah Tribe has not only lost a great leader, but I have lost a 
dear friend. I request that my fellow colleagues join me in honoring 
and remembering this great man: Chairman Peter Soto of the Cocopah 
Nation.

                          ____________________