[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. MURKOWSKI (for himself and Mr. Stevens):
  S. 1670. A bill to amend the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act to 
provide for selection of lands by certain veterans of the Vietnam era; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


  the alaska native vietnam veterans allotment open season act of 1998

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to introduce 
on behalf of myself and Senator Stevens, legislation that will provide 
Alaska Native Veterans of the Vietnam era, from 1964-75, a chance to 
apply for Native Allotments. Because these brave men and women were 
outside of the country, serving America with distinction, they missed 
the opportunity to apply for these allotments. Our bill will create a 
year-long open season for these veterans and their heirs to apply for 
and select allotment parcels.
  The Alaska Native Allotment Act, in effect from 1906-71, allowed 
Alaska Natives who had continuous use of either vacant land or certain 
mineral lands set aside for federal use, the opportunity to apply for, 
select, and ultimately be granted conveyance of these lands. Alaska 
Native Vietnam Veterans did not receive the outreach and assistance in 
applying that other Alaska Natives received during the time the act was 
in effect, and were effectively denied the opportunity to apply for 
allotments when they were serving their country. Our legislation calls 
for the same standards that were in effect under the Allotment Act be 
used to evaluate these new applications. It calls for DOI to develop 
rules to implement this bill, in consultation with Alaska Native 
groups. Congressman Young has introduced a companion measure in the 
House, and our respective committees plan to hold hearings this winter 
on these pieces of legislation.
  Mr. President, I am pleased that my 1995 authorizing legislation, 
Public Law 104-2, that required the Department of the Interior to 
produce a report on the possible impacts of allotment legislation, has 
led to this day. The time has come to give these veterans the 
opportunity to join their fellow Alaska Natives in reaping the benefits 
of the historic Alaska Native Allotment Act.
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