[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CALIFORNIA ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INDIAN POLICY EXTENSION ACT OF 1997

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the 
California Advisory Council on Indian Policy Extension Act of 1997. 
This bill will extend by 2 years the life of the California Advisory 
Council on Indian Policy, which was created by legislation I sponsored 
in the 102d Congress.
  The council was created to specifically provide Congress with a 
report setting forth recommendations for remedial measures to address 
the special problems facing California Indians and Indian tribes. The 
problems include the status of California's terminated and unrecognized 
tribes, economic self-sufficiency, and health and educational needs.
  The council has fulfilled its task and provided Congress with a 
comprehensive report and set of recommendations. These recommendations 
focus on land consolidation, restoration of tribes, provision of 
health, educational, and social services, and responsibility to urban 
Indians.
  Because the council has acquired considerable expertise on these and 
other issues during its 4-year existence, it seemed to me that their 
knowledge should not go to waste. My bill would extend the existence of 
the council for another 2 years so that the council will be able to 
guide Congress in the implementation of the report's recommendations.
  My bill directs the council to consult and work with Congress, the 
Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services, the 
California Indian tribes, and the State in expediting the 
implementation of the recommendations contained in the council's 1997 
report. I want to be clear that the council is to consult with all of 
the Indian tribes in the State and my bill makes it clear that the 
council is to provide timely information to the tribes regarding their 
actions.
  But I believe that the knowledge and wisdom that the council has 
gained from its 4-year existence is simply to valuable to cost aside. 
Thus, I am pleased to introduce this measure so that we can continue to 
benefit from their experience as we begin the process of reviewing and 
implementing the recommendations in their report.

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