[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 92 (Wednesday, July 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S7755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself, Mr. Inouye, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. 
        Daschle, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Akaka, 
        Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Wyden, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Inhoffe, Mr. 
        Lauttenburg, Mr. Bingaman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Smith, Mr. 
        Domenici, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Schumer, Mr. 
        Fitzgerald, Mr. CcCain, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Chafee, Mr. 
        Thomas, Mr. Burns, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. 
        Hatch, and Mr. Brownback):
  S.J. Res. 41. A joint resolution commemorating the opening of the 
National Museum of the American Indian; to the Committee on Indian 
Affairs.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, it is my pleasure and distinct honor to 
introduce, on behalf of myself and 31 other Senators, a joint 
resolution commemorating the opening of the National Museum of the 
American Indian.
  This Museum was many years in the making. It's been 15 years since 
the bill authorizing the construction of the museum was signed into 
law, and that was only the beginning of a long, difficult path.
  There are many people who deserve praise and gratitude for their 
unstinting efforts in realizing this dream--far too many for me to name 
them all here. I would, however, like to honor two people in particular 
for their dedication and perseverance in seeing this task through to 
completion: my friend, colleague and vice chairman of the Committee on 
Indian Affairs, Daniel K. Inouye; and, Rick West, director of the 
National Museum of the American Indian, and my Southern Cheyenne 
brother.
  I consider myself fortunate that I was there at the beginning, 
serving in the House of Representatives when the museum was authorized, 
and I will be there on September 21, 2004, when the National Museum of 
the American Indian first opens its doors to the public.
  I consider the American people fortunate in that they now possess a 
remarkable resource for learning learning about Indian cultures and 
civilizations.
  I also consider American Indians fortunate that, finally, there is a 
national facility dedicated to and worthy of their cultures. History 
has not always been kind to Native Americans, neither the events that 
occurred nor the words recorded about them, and the United States has 
not always accorded honor where honor was due the Indians. The National 
Museum of the American Indian is an important step in rectifying this 
omission and continuing the reconciliation between a great nation and 
its first peoples.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint resolution be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 41

       Whereas the National Museum of the American Indian Act (20 
     U.S.C. 808 et seq.) established within the Smithsonian 
     Institution the National Museum of the American Indian, and 
     authorized the construction of a facility to house the 
     National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall 
     in the District of Columbia;
       Whereas the National Museum of the American Indian 
     officially opens on September 21, 2004;
        Whereas the National Museum of the American Indian will be 
     the only national museum devoted exclusively to the history 
     and art of cultures indigenous to the Americas, and will give 
     all Americans the opportunity to learn of the cultural 
     legacy, historic grandeur, and contemporary culture of Native 
     Americans: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN.

       Congress--
       (1) recognizes the important and unique contribution of 
     Native Americans to the cultural legacy of the United States, 
     both in the past and currently;
       (2) honors the cultural achievements of all Native 
     Americans;
       (3) celebrates the official opening of the National Museum 
     of the American Indian; and
       (4) encourages all Americans to take advantage of the 
     resources of the National Museum of the American Indian to 
     learn about the history and culture of Native Americans.

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