[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 20, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H2167-H2171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF CONGRESS IN AFTERMATH OF RECENT SCHOOL
SHOOTING IN RED LAKE, MINNESOTA
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 126) expressing the condolences and
deepest sympathies of the Congress in the aftermath of the recent
school shooting at Red Lake High School in Red Lake, Minnesota.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
the Clerk read the entire resolution into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Minnesota?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 126
Whereas, on March 21, 2005, a troubled teenager opened fire
at the Red Lake High School in Red Lake, Minnesota, killing
five students, one teacher, and one security guard, after
previously killing his grandfather and his grandfather's
companion in their own home, before killing himself: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the tragic
violence which occurred at Red Lake High School in Red Lake,
Minnesota;
(2) honors the heroism and memory of Derrick Brun, whose
courageous actions and self-sacrifice no doubt saved the
lives of others;
(3) honors the heroism, courage, and memory of Daryl
Lussier, Michelle Sigana, Neva
[[Page H2168]]
Rogers, Dewayne Lewis, Chase Lussier, Alicia Spike, Thurlene
Stillday, and Chanelle Rosebear, who lost their lives in this
terrible tragedy;
(4) offers condolences to all of the families, friends, and
loved ones of the victims;
(5) honors the heroism of Ryan Auginash, Steven Cobenais,
Lance Crowe, Jeffrey May, and Cody Thunder, all of whom were
wounded, and expresses hope for the rapid and complete
recovery of these victims as well as support for their
families, friends, and loved ones;
(6) applauds the Red Lake Band of Chippewa for their
strength as a community in dealing with this tragedy;
(7) applauds the hard work, dedication, and professional
conduct exhibited by local, State, and Federal law
enforcement officials and the other community leaders and
private citizens who offered their support and assistance;
and
(8) applauds the hard work and dedication of the health
care personnel and commends them for providing tireless and
sensitive care to the victims, the families, and the entire
community;
(9) encourages the American people to renew their
commitment to and support for efforts to prevent school
violence.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Kline) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline).
General Leave
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on
H. Con. Res. 126.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Minnesota?
There was no objection.
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 126, which
expresses the condolences and deepest sympathies of the Congress in the
aftermath of the recent shooting at Red Lake High School in Red Lake,
Minnesota. I want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) for his leadership in introducing this
resolution and providing an opportunity for Members of Congress to
express our condolences and support for the Red Lake community.
On March 21, 2005, a 16-year-old student opened fire at the Red Lake
High School, taking the lives of five students, one teacher and one
security guard before ending his own. This troubled teenager is also
responsible for the deaths of his grandfather and his grandfather's
friend.
As we express our sympathies today, we pause to honor the bravery of
heroes such as Derrick Brun, an unarmed school security guard whose
self-sacrifice allowed time for a fellow security guard to rush a group
of students to safety while costing Derrick his own life. We also honor
the memories of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy and
offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the loved ones they
left behind.
Finally, we express our support for the tight-knit Red Lake
community. We wish a speedy and complete physical recovery for the five
students who were wounded, and a complete emotional recovery for all
those affected by this tragedy. The continued recovery of the Red Lake
community would not be possible without the hard work and dedication
shown by the local, State and Federal law enforcement officials who
have responded to this situation and the support, care and assistance
given by health care personnel and private citizens both inside and
outside this community.
Mr. Speaker, we are all saddened by this tragedy and condemn the
violence which occurred at Red Lake High School on that awful day in
March. I am thankful for the opportunity to express the condolences of
Congress to the victims of this tragedy as well as to their loved ones
and surrounding community.
Again, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) for his
leadership on this resolution and urge my colleagues to support H. Con.
Res. 126.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 126, and I want
to thank my colleague from Minnesota for bringing this resolution to
the floor. Our hearts have been with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa over
the past month, and I want to express my deepest sympathies to the
families and friends who lost loved ones on March 21. I also wish a
speedy recovery to those who still remain in the hospital.
I would like our opening statement to come from the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Peterson). He represents the Red Lake in Congress and
has introduced this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson).
Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding me this time.
I have the honor of representing the people of the Red Lake Nation,
which is a very strong people, a very proud people. They have a
beautiful reservation in northwestern Minnesota, fairly remote, but
they have some of the most beautiful land in the country. This tragedy
that occurred on March 21 has affected every single member of the Red
Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.
This is a very tight-knit community. I was there to attend many of
the funerals. I can tell from personal experience that there was not, I
think, a single person on the reservation that was not affected by this
terrible tragedy. Lives were lost, as has been said, families were
shattered, and this entire community was reduced to quiet heartbreak
and painful tears. Many of us witnessed that.
But, as I said, they are a strong community, they are responding well
under the circumstances, and what I am doing here is giving people an
opportunity to show what we have experienced up at the Red Lake
Reservation during this period of time.
I cannot tell you how many letters and e-mails and phone calls we
have received, a tremendous outpouring within Indian country from every
part of the world, the United States, from other parts of the world,
calling and offering their sympathy, their condolences and their
support for the people of the Red Lake Nation.
{time} 1200
So I think I speak for all Members of Congress when I say that we
here offer our heartfelt sympathy and support for these families.
I heard from many of my colleagues shortly after this incident
occurred. And we also want to, as was said, offer thanks and
appreciation to everybody who stepped up to help in the aftermath of
this tragedy. Of course, the tribal leadership has done an outstanding
job and they were there to make sure that the response was coordinated
and effective. The tribal police did an outstanding job. We had a lot
of other local first responders that came in and helped out. The health
care professionals on the reservation and in the surrounding area were
outstanding in their help and support. Social workers, the school
personnel, everybody up there just really pulled together. And because
of that, some of these young people that were wounded look like they
are going to come out of this, after a long recovery, doing okay.
Of the five people that were wounded, two of them still remain in the
hospital, and they are going to have a long recovery. But they are
doing well. They are actually coming around faster than people
expected. I have had the opportunity to go up and visit with them and
their family on two different occasions. And shortly after this
occurred, it was kind of a touch-and-go situation. But they really have
responded. And there are some brave young men that are still in the
hospital and are going to take some time to recover.
One of the things that, in trying to do what one can do to console
people in this kind of situation, the one thing that I think everybody
agreed with up at the Red Lake Band is that something good has to come
out of this terrible tragedy. And as we speak, there is a meeting going
on over in the Rayburn office building that some of us pulled together
with the tribal leaders, with the members of the Minnesota delegation,
and, by the way, I want to thank all of my fellow members of the
Minnesota delegation for co-sponsoring this resolution and being there
to support us in any way that they can. They have been outstanding both
in the House and in the other body. But that meeting is going on now,
and I have
[[Page H2169]]
never seen such a group of high-level Federal officials from the
administration in one place in just the time that I have been in
Washington.
And that shows that this is not only something that concerns us in
the Congress. The President and the administration have stepped up. The
President had a representative up at the Red Lake Reservation for the
first funerals. The director of the BIA spent considerable time up
there, as well as many other folks from different agencies. So we have
had a tremendous response from not only Members of Congress but from
members of the administration. And I can speak on behalf of all of the
people in Red Lake, that response has been greatly appreciated.
But as I said, the Tribal Council, they are having a tough time
because it is a remote area. They do not have the resources to meet the
basic needs, and what we need to do in this Congress is help them to
put together a plan so that they can emerge as a stronger Red Lake
Nation but, more importantly than that, that we can give the young
people of this reservation that are going to be the future leaders the
hope and opportunity of support that they need so that they can carry
on the great tradition of the Red Lake Nation.
And, lastly, I would like to say that a number of these folks that
were involved in this were true heroes. They shielded classmates,
friends. Because of their actions, fewer people were injured and fewer
people died. They were true heroes. And in the tradition of the Red
Lake Nation, what they would refer to these people as is warriors. They
earned the designation of warrior because they stood up at a time when
it was needed.
So I just appreciate the support of all my colleagues. I encourage my
colleagues to support us and to continue to support us as we move
forward to help the Red Lake Nation become stronger and have more
opportunity for young people in the future.
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy).
Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my
colleagues from Minnesota in expressing my condolences, all of
Minnesota's condolences, all of the country's condolences, to the
families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic shooting at Red
Lake High School. And I too would like to thank the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Kline) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum)
for bringing this to the floor, as well as the leadership, especially
the leadership that the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) has had
on this issue in his district.
I think all of us would have a difficult time imagining the profound
sadness that the families are feeling. But beyond the immeasurable
human tragedy of the lives lost that day, this incident has created
fear in the minds of parents and teachers and, most importantly, kids,
who may no longer view their school as a safe place. Schools must be a
place of learning and a place that challenges young minds, not a place
where students live in fear.
However, in this tragedy we found heroes. Heroes, as the gentleman
from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) mentioned, like Derrick Brun, who bravely
stood at the entrance to the school and confronted the shooter, giving
his partner time to alert school officials. This courage and other
courage we saw from others throughout this incident no doubt saved
lives.
We all honor the memories of all of the victims whose lives were cut
tragically short by the needless act of violence.
Mr. Speaker, we must all work together to make sure that events like
this do not happen again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone
who was touched by this tragedy. We are committed to work together, all
of us, to find solutions so that no more young lives are cut short.
I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo).
Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, I join my Minnesota colleagues in expressing
sorrow and support to the people of Red Lake, Minnesota, as they take
steps to heal their community after the unspeakable tragedy of March
22.
It must have been a moment of unimaginable horror when parents
realized that the children they sent off to school that morning were
caught up in such terrible violence. In addition to those killed and
injured, the entire community has been victimized by these acts of
violence. After the initial shock, the community must come together to
grieve their losses and ask the difficult questions: What went wrong
and what can be done to keep it from happening again?
We were also reminded that there are heroes in tragedy who put their
own safety aside to save the lives of others. Derrick Brun showed us
what is good about this world in a moment that we needed reassuring.
The world watched a tragedy unfold in Red Lake. We must stand with
this community as it pulls together to treat its injured and to heal
its wounds. We offer our condolences and support as they continue the
healing process that they have just begun.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht).
Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
this time.
And I thank my colleague from the Seventh Congressional District for
offering this resolution at this time to pay tribute and to offer our
condolences to all of the people, not only of the victims but even of
the people who committed these terrible acts up in Red Lake.
Unfortunately, I think most of America, most Members of Congress will
always think of Red Lake now in the terms of this great tragedy. But I
would like to take a few minutes to think of a happier time, of a
prouder time. And it is a story that most of the Members should know,
and most of the Members do not, of what happened in 1997 in Red Lake.
And that was the story of Gerald Kingbird and the story of the warriors
who came down from Red Lake and brought a basketball team to the
Minnesota State basketball tournament, and they offered something that
had not been seen on many Indian reservations for many years, and that
was a sense of pride, a sense of hope, and a sense of unity.
It was perhaps one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled.
They lost in the semi-finals that year to the Wabasso Rabbits 117 to
113, and it was perhaps the greatest basketball game ever played in the
history of the State of Minnesota. And I bring that to Members'
attention because, yes, this high school has been the scene of a
terrible tragedy, but it has also been the scene of enormous pride in
Native American activities. And what they did in 1997 in that game and
in that tournament, I think, should also stand as a tribute to the
people of Red Lake.
So, Mr. Speaker, I will insert an article into the Congressional
Record, and I hope that my colleagues will read this article because I
think it speaks of the kind of pride that we saw in 1997.
Clearly, this is a terrible tragic time for the people in Red Lake.
But I hope that they will reflect and that we will reflect that there
have been better days before and there will be better days to come.
I agree with my colleagues that we must do all that we can to make
our schools safe. I agree with my colleagues when we say that schools
should be places where kids want to go and feel comfortable. And we at
the Federal level, and I am sure our colleagues at the State level,
will do all that we can.
But I do not think we should take from this a belief that this is
going to be a common occurrence or that this is really what happens in
too many schools today. This is a rare occurrence, and we hope that it
will never happen again. But we also hope that Members will remember
that there have been happy and proud days in the days of the Red Lake
Reservation and there will be happy and proud days to come.
The material previously referred to is as follows:
[From the Star Tribune, Apr. 3, 2005]
``I'm Going To Stay Here Always,' Says a Red Lake Star
(By Doug Grow)
Red Lake, Mn.--At the time, I didn't get it.
[[Page H2170]]
In 1997, the Red Lake High School boys' basketball team
earned a trip to the Twin Cities for the state high school
basketball tournament.
Not only were Red Lakers thrilled by this first-time
development, all of Indian country adopted this group of
kids. The Red Lake Warriors were Native America's team.
After a few days here, I think I've finally begun to
understand why. That team represented something far greater
than winning on the basketball court. It represented triumph.
Finally, the rest of us were linking these words: success and
reservation.
The Red Lake team lost in the semifinals of the tournament
that year, but in the process they won over the hearts of
thousands of Minnesotans. Behind the incredible performance
of a sophomore point guard, Gerald Kingbird, the team
overcame a huge fourth-quarter deficit and forced overtime
against Wabasso.
The Wabasso Rabbits finally pulled out a 117-113 victory in
what many believe was the most magnificent high school game
ever played in Minnesota. Videos of that game still are
constantly played all over Red Lake.
In fact, new teachers at the high school often are shown a
tape of the game as part of their orientation. At a place
where there is often failure, the tape of that game shows
what is possible.
Smiling shyly, Kingbird talked of how he recently played
the tape for one of his three daughters.
``I showed it and when you get to the fourth quarter, the
announcer is always saying, `Kingbird! Kingbird! Kingbird!'
'' he said. ``When it was over she started calling me `Daddy
Kingbird.' ''
Kingbird's 24 now. He's married to his high school
sweetheart, Kimberly Pemberton. They both have degrees in
elementary education from Bemidji State University. They have
three daughters and a home in the reservation town of Redby.
He works at the Seven Clans Casino in Red Lake, but both hope
to begin teaching at the reservation's elementary school in
the fall.
``Why did you come back?'' I asked Kingbird in a
conversation Friday morning. ``You could live anywhere.
What's the draw of this place that seems so harsh?''
Kingbird looked at me, befuddled. There was a long period
of silence as he mulled over what he considered an absurd
question.
``This is my home,'' he said. ``I grew up here; my family
is here; I'm going to stay here always. I've lived in
Bemidji. I've been to the Cities. From what I can see, this
is no different than any other place, except for the color of
skin of the people.''
It is no different and it is vastly different.
Visitors often are reminded that they aren't really in
Minnesota anymore when they cross into Red Lake.
``You just have to remember that it's no different than
going to any other foreign country,'' said Gene Dillon, a
white man who was reluctantly closing his Redby restaurant
after running it for 18 years with his wife, Darlene, who is
also white. ``It was just like when I was in the Navy. When
you went to another country, the commander would always
remind us that `now you play by their rules.' ''
In Red Lake in the past few days, there often was anger at
the sight of reporters. But there also was extraordinary
graciousness.
One morning, my colleagues and I were in the home of Chunky
and Barbara Brun, the parents of Derrick Brun, the security
guard who was among those killed on March 21.
The phone was ringing off the hook. Reporters from across
the country were calling for interviews.
Each time the phone rang, Brun would pick up the receiver
and quietly explain to the reporter that he wasn't doing
interviews on this day. He hoped they understood. He wasn't
trying to be rude.
It typically took Brun five minutes to run down an
interview request. Despite his grieving, he never became
angry.
In the past few days, I met political hacks but also saw
people move into positions of leadership with strength and
dignity.
At the moment his son was arrested and charged with
conspiracy in the March 21 killings at Red Lake High, Tribal
Chairman Floyd (Buck) Jourdain Jr. no longer was in a
position to be the face of Red Lake in these days of pain and
media attention.
Tribal secretary Judy Roy took on the task of being the
public leader. She did not relish the role. She constantly
urged all of us to be patient in judging the Jourdain
family. At the same time she filled his shoes as the
person in front of cameras, speaking for Red Lake.
There are several problems at Red Lake. Fear of more
violence now has been added to such longtime ills as poverty,
family dysfunction, truancy and chemical addiction.
Kingbird knows all about the woes. But, he said, when he
and Kimberly were adolescent sweethearts, they vowed to get
college educations and come back home to teach.
``Maybe we can help,'' he said.
And it never should be forgotten that Red Lake can be a
place of triumph.
Thursday night, for example, the Kingbirds' youngest
daughter, 1-year-old TeAnndra, took her first steps.
``She took four steps,'' her proud father said, ``and then
looked around and started clapping.''
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar).
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me
this time and commend the gentleman from northwestern Minnesota (Mr.
Peterson) for offering this resolution and all of my Minnesota
colleagues in joining in a moment of reflection and of solidarity for
the people of the Red Lake Band, to pray for those whose lives were
taken, for those who survived, for the families of all, victims and
perpetrator alike.
This is an occasion to mourn, but it is an occasion also to reflect,
to join our hearts in prayer, but to reflect on the past and to
consider what might be for the future.
The gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) has spoken eloquently
about the tragedy at Red Lake. The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr.
Peterson) who represents the district, who knows the people intimately,
the people of Red Lake, has spoken about the spirit of warrior on the
reservation. I would like to think in a broader term about the
Nishnawbe people, who have not been well treated going back to the
times of the treaties of the 1850s; and particularly among them, the
Red Lake, that ceded in 1863 11 million acres to the United States for
$500,000, a paltry sum in comparison to the value and the expanse of
land.
{time} 1215
In 1889, they ceded an additional 2.9 million acres for a 50-year
trust fund, only a third of which went to the people of Red Lake.
And again to the 1902 Western Township Treaty, they again ceded
256,000 acres to the United States for very little in return, except
for recognition. The Nishnawbe people deserve better than recognition,
deserve more than beads and blankets, for their land, their rights, the
rights to hunt and fish, the right to earn a living.
Over 100 years ago, the first education was introduced into Red Lake.
Lewis and Clark passed through the Red Lake territory, but it was not
until the mid-1930s that a high school was established in Red Lake.
They have been a proud people, proud to rely upon themselves and the
resources of their traditions. It is going to take more than a visit to
the sweat lodges to heal the pain and the suffering that the people
feel because of this tragedy.
I pray that Red Lake will be known for more than this incident that
is just an intrusion upon a long and proud history. But I pray also,
and I urge this body, to pay attention not just to Red Lake, to the
Nishnawbe people and to the First Americans, but to the needs that they
have throughout this country, for greater investment in education,
greater investment in job training and opportunities, for greater
investment in health care, and housing and water and sewer and road and
development and access on the reservations of this country. That is the
great tragedy, that they are not served, our first peoples of this
land.
We have taken from them the riches, the resources, minerals and
hydrocarbons; we have given very little back in return. In recent
years, casino gambling has provided a revenue stream and a source of
opportunity for investment on many of the reservations of the native
American peoples. But it has not benefited all. Red Lake is among those
that has not benefited, has not been able to enjoy a revenue stream.
But even for those who have been able to develop a revenue stream
over the last 20 years, you cannot erase 200 years of mistreatment in 2
decades. And let this incident, while an anachronism, not resulting
from internal ferment and neglect on the reservation, but an intrusion
upon the people of Red Lake, let this be a call to attention to think
more constructively and productively about the needs of native
Americans and our responsibility to invest more and to help them lift
themselves out of poverty.
Over 50 percent unemployment rate on this reservation alone. There is
more we can do together. First we must heal. First we must help those
at Red Lake, proportionately a greater scar for them than was
Columbine, to heal, to look forward, to look to the future, and to
rebuild and ignite again the spirit of pride and of accomplishment,
which should be their heritage.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, could I inquire how much time
is left on this side.
[[Page H2171]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Aderholt). The gentlewoman from
Minnesota has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers in the room.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
might consume.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to use the words of the Red Lake Band of
the Chippewa, and I quote from a document that they shared with us
today: ``The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is experiencing the
worst crisis in our history. Throughout this ordeal, our law
enforcement officers, teachers, students, medical personnel, our people
have acted with great courage and honor. Our people are strong, our
children are strong, and our hope is strong.
``Our greatest hope is that you, our President, Senators, and
Representatives and Department officials, will be our partners as we
undertake the task of making these essential improvements towards a
better way of life for the people of Red Lake.''
Mr. Speaker, 1 month ago a disturbed young man took the lives of nine
people on the Red Lake Reservation, and then he took his own. This
violent act devastated the Red Lake community, and once again
tragically demonstrates to all of America how violence can happen by
our children, against our children and educators, and it can happen
anywhere at any time.
This tragedy, along with other school shootings that have occurred
over the past several years leave no question that we still have much
work to do in addressing the needs of our youth in this country. Too
many of our children are in crisis, unable to find the help that they
need from either families or communities.
As policymakers, we have a responsibility to invest the resources,
and more importantly, the attention into the lives of our young people
and in their families' lives as well before tragedy occurs.
All Americans and Minnesotans extend our prayers, our condolences,
and support for the families of the Red Lake Nation as they heal and
rebuild their community.
I would like to close with just once again saying that this
resolution deserves our support. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa have our
deepest condolences at this time of enormous grief. Our prayers are
with you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want again to thank my colleagues in the Minnesota
delegation for their words today and my colleague, the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Peterson), for offering this resolution. And I would
just urge all of my colleagues in the House to support H. Con. Res 126.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent
Resolution 126. Today, I join my colleagues in expressing my deepest
sympathies to the people of the Red Lake Reservation.
This tragedy reveals the sad truth that school-related violence can
occur anywhere in this country regardless the socio-economic conditions
of a community.
In Indian country, however, the statistics show that Indian children
face greater barriers than non-Indian youth. Indian youth suffer from
the highest rates of suicide. They have the highest rates of school
victimization and use alcohol, drugs and tobacco more than their
counterparts. Indian youth also drop out of school at higher rates than
other students.
What can we do? For starters, we can reauthorize the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act which will provide significant improvements to the
delivery of health care services for Indian people and authorize
funding for health programs, projects, and facilities.
We can increase funding for Indian country law enforcement, public
safety and victim assistance programs to help combat the problems of
juvenile crime and violence on our Indian lands.
We can also increase funding for schools and colleges located on
Indian reservations that were the subject of significant decreases in
the president's 2006 budget.
I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify how we can
help the Red Lake Community specifically.
Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of all Minnesotans to
extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of
the victims of the school shootings at Red Lake High School and to the
entire Red Lake community.
On March 21, 2005, tragedy struck Red Lake, Minnesota and left a
community devastated and a Nation shocked.
Mr. Speaker, we are all deeply saddened by this horrific event, and
our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and the
entire Red Lake community.
We commend the Red Lake tribal leaders and members, local law
enforcement officers, school officials and medical support staff for
their heroism and courage in response to this tragedy.
Now, we must use this occasion to mourn the loss of loved ones and
prevent similar tragedies in the future. The people of Minnesota will
never forget this terrible loss of innocent lives. May those who died
be remembered forever in our hearts.
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 126.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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