[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H9184-H9187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM AUTHORIZATION ACT

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2742) to authorize the construction of a Native American 
Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2742

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. OKLAHOMA NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER AND 
                   MUSEUM.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) In order to promote better understanding between Indian 
     and non-Indian citizens of the United States, and in light of 
     the Federal Government's continuing trust responsibilities to 
     Indian tribes, it is appropriate, desirable, and a proper 
     function of the Federal Government to provide grants for the 
     development of a museum designated to display the heritage 
     and culture of Indian tribes.
       (2) In recognition of the unique status and history of 
     Indian tribes in the State of Oklahoma and the role of the 
     Federal Government in such history, it is appropriate and 
     proper for the museum referred to in paragraph (1) to be 
     located in the State of Oklahoma.
       (b) Grant.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to award 
     financial equaling not more than $33,000,000 and technical 
     assistance to the Authority to be used for the development 
     and construction of a Native American Cultural Center and 
     Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
       (2) Agreement.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), the appropriate official of the Authority 
     shall--
       (A) enter into a grant agreement with the Secretary which 
     shall specify the duties of the Authority under this section, 
     including provisions for continual maintenance of the Center 
     by the Authority without the use of Federal funds; and
       (B) demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that 
     the Authority has raised, or has commitments from private 
     persons or State or local government agencies for, an amount 
     that is equal to not less than 66 percent of the cost to the 
     Authority of the activities to be carried out under the 
     grant.
       (3) Limitation.--The amount of any grant awarded under 
     paragraph (1) shall not exceed 33 percent of the cost of the 
     activities to be funded under the grant.
       (4) In-kind contribution.--When calculating the cost share 
     of the Authority under this Act, the Secretary shall reduce 
     such cost share obligation by the fair market value of the 
     approximately 300 acres of land donated by Oklahoma City for 
     the Center, if such land is used for the Center.
       (c) Definitions.--For the purposes of this Act:
       (1) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means the Native 
     American Cultural and Educational Authority of Oklahoma, and 
     agency of the State of Oklahoma.
       (2) Center.--The term ``Center'' means the Native American 
     Cultural Center and Museum authorized pursuant to this 
     section.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to grant assistance under 
     subsection (b)(1), $8,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 
     through 2006.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. McInnis) and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis).
  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 2742 is legislation introduced by the gentleman from Oklahoma 
(Mr. Carson) which directs the Secretary of the Interior to grant $33 
million in financial assistance grants and technical assistance to the 
Native American Cultural and Educational Authority for the development 
of the Native American Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma. The bill authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the 
Interior for $8.25 million for the fiscal years 2003 through 2006.
  The committee held a hearing on October 17, 2001, and favorably 
reported it out of full committee by unanimous consent on November 28, 
2001. The Oklahoma delegation, the 39 tribes recognized by the State of 
Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State legislature all support H.R. 2742.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request an affirmative vote on the 
passage of

[[Page H9185]]

this important bill for the State of Oklahoma.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to 
Chairman Hansen of the Committee on Resources, Ranking Member Rahall 
and the entire Committee on Resources staff for their leadership and 
hard work in bringing H.R. 2742 to the floor of the House of 
Representatives. I would like to especially single out the gentleman 
from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) for his leadership on this issue as well as 
my indispensable aide, Jessica Werner, whose passion for this issue and 
whose expertise is greater than my own. I rise in support of H.R. 2742, 
a bill to authorize, as the gentleman from Colorado said, the 
construction of a Native American Cultural Center and Museum in 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As an enrolled member of the Cherokee tribe 
and representing the most Native American district in the entire 
country, H.R. 2742 and the Native American Cultural Center and Museum 
planned for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, carry great significance for me.
  The area encompassed by the boundaries of the State of Oklahoma, 
often referred to as ``Native America,'' has had a special relationship 
with Indian nations since long before it became a State in 1907. 
Beginning in the 1820s, the five civilized tribes from the southeastern 
United States were relocated to Indian Territory over numerous routes, 
the most famous being the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Forced off their 
ancestral lands by State and Federal governments, the tribes suffered 
great hardships during the rigorous trips west. This forced march of 
eastern tribes to the West under the Indian Removal Act of 1830 is the 
best known movement of American Indians to what is now Oklahoma. 
Thirty-nine tribes are recognized by the State, including both tribes 
forced to Oklahoma and tribes native to the plains.
  These tribes collectively and individually have played an invaluable 
role in the evolution of the State of Oklahoma. Indeed, the culture and 
history of Oklahoma are inseparable from that of the 39 tribes. 
Nevertheless, before the creation of the Native American Cultural and 
Educational Authority of Oklahoma, there has been little statewide 
effort to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the 
tribes, and no Federal effort in my State.
  In 1994, the Oklahoma legislature created the Native American 
Cultural and Educational Authority to promote the history of Native 
Americans for the mutual benefit of the State of Oklahoma and its 
Indian and non-Indian citizens. By that legislation, the authority was 
authorized and empowered to construct and operate a cultural center and 
museum on a chosen site in Oklahoma. Since 1994, various entities, 
including the authority, the State legislature, the Office of the 
Governor, Native American groups, and a stellar design team have worked 
together and developed an impressive and extensive plan for the 
creation of the Native American Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma 
City, which three cities in Oklahoma initially bid for.

                              {time}  2130

  The approximately 300-acre site donated by Oklahoma City where the 
center will be located will have a Great Promontory, a Court of 
Nations, a Court of the Wind, a Hall of the People, Permanent and 
Temporary Galleries, a ``Who We Are'' Theater, a Multi-Purpose Theater, 
a Demonstration Gallery, Family Center, Study Center, Discovery Center, 
a Lodge, Hotel and Conference Center, a Visitor Center and Dancing 
Grounds.
  As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, the museum will be able 
to rotate exhibits with the Native American Smithsonian Institute being 
built not far from where I stand here in Washington, enriching both of 
the museum's collections.
  Some of the main goals tied to the creation of the Native American 
Cultural Center and Museum are, first, to link the past, present and 
future of Indian Nations and present them to the visitor in a way that 
he or she can experience and understand fully; second, to preserve and 
promote the living cultures of Native Americans, in language and 
history, dance, arts, cultural values and spirituality; and, third, to 
strive for economic self-sufficiency and to engender the principles of 
environmental sustainability.
  This massive endeavor, representing and promoting all 39 tribes in 
Oklahoma, is truly awe-inspiring and worthy of Federal financial and 
technical support. The design team includes Ralph Appelbaum, whose 
achievements include the United States Holocaust Museum, and Bill Fain, 
who helped design the TransAmerica Building in San Francisco. The world 
class team has enjoyed the strong support of Governor Frank Keating of 
Oklahoma, as well as Senator Nickles and Senator Inhofe, and Senator 
Campbell of Colorado, as well as the Oklahoma State Legislature, and 
the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watkins), the gentleman from Oklahoma 
(Mr. Watts), the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Largent) and the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook), to name just a few.
  H.R. 2742, as the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) noted, would 
authorize the appropriation of $33 million over a period of four fiscal 
years beginning in 2003. However, appropriation of Federal dollars is 
contingent upon private, city and State sources, accounting for 66 
percent of the total cost. Thus, the center is neither wholly dependent 
upon Federal funds nor given access to Federal funds until a local 
commitment has been adequately demonstrated.
  Nevertheless, Federal funds are necessary and reasonable. Given the 
Federal Government's significant role, indeed determining role, in 
relocating many of the 39 tribes now a part of Oklahoma, it seems more 
than appropriate for the Federal Government to award grants to the 
Native American Cultural and Educational Authority for the development 
of this museum, committed to preserving the history and culture of 
these tribes.
  Furthermore, a precedent has been set for the Federal funding of 
State museums. To name a few examples, from 1986 to 1994, the Steamtown 
Railroad Museum in Pennsylvania was appropriated more than $80 million 
in Federal funds. From 1996 to 1997, the Hispanic Cultural Center in 
New Mexico was appropriated $16 million. Under the Omnibus Indian 
Advancement Act of the 106th Congress, appropriations amounting to over 
$18 million were authorized for the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place in 
Fort Pierre, South Dakota.
  The construction of this museum and, hence, this legislation, is not 
only necessary for the preservation of Indian cultures, but carries 
deep significance in the State of Oklahoma and, I believe, to the 
Nation too. Felix Cohen, in his landmark treatise on Indian law, 
remarked that, ``like the miner's canary, the Indian marks the shift 
from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere; and our 
treatment of Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, 
reflects the rise and fall in our democratic faith.''
  With this bill, in a State formed by the cruelties of our Nation's 
Indian policy, we build finally a monument to all which has endured. We 
now celebrate what was once despised, and we now preserve what our 
Nation for too long tried to eradicate.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Istook).
  Mr. ISTOOK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. 
I want to especially express my appreciation to my colleague, the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson) for offering H.R. 2742. I 
certainly rise in support of it.
  As the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson) mentioned, he is an 
enrolled member of the Cherokee Tribe. In fact, there are some 67 
tribes that originally inhabited what became known as Indian Territory, 
and now is known as the State of Oklahoma.
  Through a chapter in our Nation's history, of which we cannot be 
proud, we had the Trail of Tears with the movement of Indian Tribes 
across the country, from eastern parts of the Nation, from Florida and 
Alabama and other states in the Southeast in particular, moved by the 
U.S. Government to Oklahoma.
  Now we need to recognize what they built there, what they established

[[Page H9186]]

under adverse conditions, in a good land but not the land that was 
originally theirs, but the land that became theirs. It is fitting and 
proper that the Federal Government participate in establishing this 
center about the education, the culture and the history of the Tribes 
that were moved across the country to become the homeland of now the 
State of Oklahoma.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation, which is supported by the Tribes to 
preserve their heritage in the lands which became theirs, is a 
partnership piece of legislation. It states that the money to be 
provided by the Federal Government will be matched two-to-one by funds 
being provided by State and local and private sources.
  Indeed, the State legislature has already appropriated $6.5 million. 
There has been a grant of land from the City of Oklahoma City of some 
300 acres, in the prime location where Interstates 40 and 35 come 
together next to downtown Oklahoma City on the banks of the North 
Canadian River. In that prime location will be erected the proud 
monument and preservation of the history and culture of the Indian 
Tribes that inhabited so much of the country and came to rest in the 
State of Oklahoma.
  Private donations are being solicited. We are not asking for the 
Federal Government to assume the cost of operating this. We are not 
asking the Federal Government to even bear the lion's share of the 
funding for this. We are saying that State, local and private sources 
will provide two-thirds of the funding, and the Federal Government is 
only being asked to provide one-third. That is more than fair, Mr. 
Speaker, and it is just that we provide this funding, that we authorize 
it today, and appropriate it over this 4-year period, as the bill calls 
to be done.
  I want to express my appreciation for the partnership of the many 
people and several Indian Tribes involved in this, the civic leaders in 
the city of Oklahoma City, the State legislators. I want to single out 
one member of the State legislature in particular, State Senator Enoch 
Kelly Haney, a Native American who was responsible for much of the 
vision regarding this center. In fact, he is also an artist. He is a 
sculpture. He is donating his work of the statue of a Native American 
to be the new statue atop the new dome being put on the Oklahoma State 
Capitol.
  I also want to express appreciation to Governor Bill Anaotubby of the 
Chickasaw Nation, Principle Chief Perry Beaver of the Muscogee Creek 
Nation, Former Chief Joe Byrd of the Cherokee Nation, Former Chief 
Elmer Manatowa of the Sac & Fox Nation, and Dr. Bud Sahmaunt of the 
Kiowa Tribe. They have all served on the Board of Directors of the 
Native American Cultural and Educational Authority and have been 
involved in the planning for this museum.
  I again want to express my special appreciation to my colleague, the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson), for sponsoring this legislation, 
knowing that it is not just a matter of things that are important to 
the people in his district, but also that are important to the people 
throughout the State of Oklahoma and to the preservation of Native 
American history and culture for people throughout the United States of 
America as well.


                    Amendment Offered by Mr. McInnis

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent on page 2, line 21 
of the bill, that the word ``assistance'' be inserted after the word 
``financial.''
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Johnson of Illinois). Is there objection 
to the request of the gentleman from Colorado?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my 
good friend, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watkins).
  (Mr. WATKINS of Oklahoma asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WATKINS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, first I would like to express my thanks to the gentleman 
from the Second Congressional District of Oklahoma (Mr. Carson), for 
his tremendous work in this area of Native Americans and also on this 
particular bill. He has done a great job putting this bill together, 
bringing it to light and moving it forward to where we are tonight.
  I am delighted to be a cosponsor with the gentleman and with other 
Oklahomans. It is so fitting that this museum honoring the Native 
Americans be in Oklahoma City. To a lot of people, they may not realize 
that the word ``Oklahoma'' means ``red man,'' and that in Oklahoma we 
have more Native Americans per capita than any other State in the 
Nation. We have one of the largest populations, of course.
  I am delighted to say that, even in my own family, that I have a 
child that is part Cherokee. I also have grandchildren that are part 
Cherokee and part Creek, two of them are part Creek, so in our family 
we have a lot of discussions from time to time about the various 
cultural activities and other things that we feel like need to be done 
for the socioeconomic conditions of Native Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I myself have grown up with and among the Choctaw 
Indians. I am always delighted to say I was the only non-Native 
American on the baseball team when I was growing up, and also the only 
non-Native American on the basketball team in my little hometown of 
Bennington, Oklahoma, which was one of the early-time headquarters of 
Native Americans and one of the largest populations of Native Americans 
of Choctaw background.
  In my immediate family, I spent probably more time with the Native 
American families, spending nights there and spending many days working 
in their culture and understanding the culture of the Native Americans 
in my district.
  But we have longed for the time, I think, where we should hold up and 
honor the Native Americans for their tremendous sacrifice, for their 
tremendous contributions, not only to our State of Oklahoma, but to 
this Nation and to really our freedoms that we enjoy today. Probably 
there is no one any more American that feels the patriotism of being 
American than our Native American brothers and sisters.
  So, for this particular legislation to come forth concerning this 
Native American museum, to hold this up, I want to commend my good 
friend, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson) for his efforts. I am 
sincere about that, what the gentleman is doing along these lines.
  So without anything else, I would like to say I appreciate the time 
of the chairman. I know, Mr. Chairman, in Colorado you have a lot of 
Native Americans in your fine State also.
  I rise today in support of H.R. 2742. This legislation will authorize 
a grant for the development and construction of a Native American 
Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I thank the 
gentleman from Oklahoma, Brad Carson, for his work on behalf of Native 
Americans and also for offering this legislation that I am proud to co-
sponsor.
  Oklahoma has one of the largest American Indian populations of any 
state. Currently, Oklahoma is home to 39 recognized Indian Tribes. We 
are very proud in Oklahoma of our Native American heritage. In fact, 
Oklahoma means ``red man.'' I know from my personal experience Native 
Americans in my area of Oklahoma make a major contribution to the 
state.
  In 1994, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Native American 
Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA) ``to promote the history and 
culture of Native Americans for the mutual benefit of the state of 
Oklahoma and its American Indian and non-Indian citizens.'' That 
legislation authorized the NACEA to construct and operate a Cultural 
Center and Museum on a chosen site in Oklahoma City. I know the Center 
will promote the proud history and culture of Oklahoma Native 
Americans.
  I want to again thank my colleague for his tremendous work and role 
in bringing this legislation to the floor and urge passage of this 
important bill.
  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I might add, Native Americans are well protected by the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watkins) in Oklahoma as well. He watches 
out for all of them.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for favorable consideration of the bill.
  Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today encouraged by the 
congressional support for the Native American Cultural Center and 
Museum to be built in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma, which boasts the highest 
Native American population in this country, has long needed a starting 
point from which to guide interested persons through our rich history. 
I believe that travelers passing through Oklahoma's crossroads will now 
encounter a facility so reflective of our

[[Page H9187]]

State heritage, that their curiosity will be piqued. It is my hope that 
education and healing will occur as the pains and triumphs of our 
people are experienced on the grounds of this meeting place.
  The Center's central location will not only benefit the heart of our 
people, but will also spur on the Oklahoma economy by providing new 
opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs and other local 
businesses. Furthermore, travelers will have a great place to begin 
their study of the intriguing native people who have ancestral roots 
throughout our nation. I believe in this way, visitors will experience 
the true Native America.
  It is always wise to build upon existing strengths. It is obvious 
that Oklahoma's strength lies in the incredible people who have shaped 
its history. I look forward to the new strengths to be revealed through 
the creation of this native American center.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Native 
American Caucus, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2742, a bill that 
authorizes the Secretary of Interior to award financial assistance 
grants and technical assistance grants to the Native American cultural 
and educational authority for the construction of a Native American 
cultural center and museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  The bill authorizes a Federal appropriation of $33 million over a 
period of four fiscal years beginning in 2003. The Federal 
appropriation, however, is contingent upon private, city and State 
sources accounting for 66 percent of the total cost of the project.
  Mr. Speaker, support for a Native American Cultural Center and Museum 
in a state that has one of the largest Native American population of 
any state is long overdue. This bill has the bipartisan support of the 
Congressional Native American Caucus, the Oklahoma Congressional 
Delegation and the State's elected officials too.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate our colleague, Brad 
Carson of Oklahoma, for all his hard work and sponsorship of H.R. 2741.
  Promised as the original Indian Territory, the State of Oklahoma has 
clearly been enriched through its Indian heritage from the Trail of 
Tears which moved eastern Indian tribes into the state, through the 
settlements of the Oklahoma Sooners, to the 39 tribes living within its 
border today.
  It is truly a story worth telling and I look forward to one day 
visiting the Native American Cultural Center and Museum we are 
authorizing today.
  Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 2742, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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