[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 27, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H7609-H7613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ESTHER MARTINEZ NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES PRESERVATION ACT OF 2006
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4766) to amend the Native American Languages Act to provide
for the support of Native American language survival schools, and for
other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 4766
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Esther Martinez Native
American Languages Preservation Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF PROGRAM TO ENSURE THE SURVIVAL AND
CONTINUING VITALITY OF NATIVE AMERICAN
LANGUAGES.
Section 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 2991b-3) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (5) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(B) in paragraph (6) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and'', and
[[Page H7610]]
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7)(A) Native American language nests, which are site-
based educational programs that--
``(i) provide instruction and child care through the use of
a Native American language for at least 10 children under the
age of 7 for an average of at least 500 hours per year per
student;
``(ii) provide classes in a Native American language for
parents (or legal guardians) of students enrolled in a Native
American language nest (including Native American language-
speaking parents); and
``(iii) ensure that a Native American language is the
dominant medium of instruction in the Native American
language nest;
``(B) Native American language survival schools, which are
site-based educational programs for school-age students
that--
``(i) provide an average of at least 500 hours of
instruction through the use of 1 or more Native American
languages for at least 15 students for whom a Native American
language survival school is their principal place of
instruction;
``(ii) develop instructional courses and materials for
learning Native American languages and for instruction
through the use of Native American languages;
``(iii) provide for teacher training;
``(iv) work toward a goal of all students achieving--
``(I) fluency in a Native American language; and
``(II) academic proficiency in mathematics, reading (or
language arts), and science; and
``(v) are located in areas that have high numbers or
percentages of Native American students; and
``(C) Native American language restoration programs, which
are educational programs that--
``(i) operate at least 1 Native American language program
for the community in which it serves;
``(ii) provide training programs for teachers of Native
American languages;
``(iii) develop instructional materials for the programs;
``(iv) work toward a goal of increasing proficiency and
fluency in at least 1 Native American language;
``(v) provide instruction in at least 1 Native American
language; and
``(vi) may use funds received under this section for--
``(I) Native American language programs, such as Native
American language immersion programs, Native American
language and culture camps, Native American language programs
provided in coordination and cooperation with educational
entities, Native American language programs provided in
coordination and cooperation with local universities and
colleges, Native American language programs that use a
master-apprentice model of learning languages, and Native
American language programs provided through a regional
program to better serve geographically dispersed students;
``(II) Native American language teacher training programs,
such as training programs in Native American language
translation for fluent speakers, training programs for Native
American language teachers, training programs for teachers in
schools to utilize Native American language materials, tools,
and interactive media to teach Native American language; and
``(III) the development of Native American language
materials, such as books, audio and visual tools, and
interactive media programs.'',
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (5) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(B) in paragraph (6) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) in the case of an application for a grant to carry
out any purpose specified in subsection (b)(7)(B), a
certification by the applicant that the applicant has not
less than 3 years of experience in operating and
administering a Native American language survival school, a
Native American language nest, or any other educational
program in which instruction is conducted in a Native
American language.'', and
(3) in subsection (e)(2) by inserting before the period the
following: ``, except that grants made under such subsection
for any purpose specified in subsection (b)(7) may be made
only on a 3-year basis''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION.
Section 815 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42
U.S.C. 2992c) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as
paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively, and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(1) `average' means the aggregate number of hours of
instruction through the use of a Native American language to
all students enrolled in a native language immersion program
during a school year divided by the total number of students
enrolled in the immersion program;''.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR PROGRAM TO ENSURE
THE SURVIVAL AND CONTINUING VITALITY OF NATIVE
AMERICAN LANGUAGES.
Section 816(e) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 2992d(e)) is amended by striking ``1999, 2000,
2001, and 2002'' and inserting ``2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and
2012''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. McKeon) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on
H.R. 4766.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4766, the Esther
Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006. Within the
confines of existing programs under the Department of Health and Human
Services' Administration for Native Americans, this measure will
empower Native American tribes, organizations, colleges and governing
bodies as they seek to preserve Native languages and cultures.
I would like to commend my colleague, Congresswoman Heather Wilson,
for leading the charge on this issue. Native American tribes nationwide
are struggling with the loss of their languages, and, indeed, to lose
even one Native language is to lose a piece of our Nation's history.
Mrs. Wilson, along with her colleague Mr. Tom Udall, has really done
a great service to us, as she invited me to her district last month. I
will mention a little bit more about that later, but I want to thank
her for doing that. I also want to commend Ranking Member Kildee, who
has been a strong supporter of Native American programs forever since I
came here, and I am sure much longer than that.
H.R. 4766 is being considered in the same spirit as a previous
version of the legislation which was examined by our Education and
Workforce Committee last month in a field hearing held in
Representative Wilson's district in Albuquerque. That hearing provided
us an opportunity to learn firsthand about the extent and impact of
Native American language loss in New Mexico, throughout the Southwest,
and across the Nation. We heard from Native American advocates,
academics and students about the need to preserve their languages in
the face of a dramatic decline, and today I am proud we are responding.
In that hearing we began with an invocation by a Native American
Governor in his language and ended with a benediction in his language
by the same Native American Governor. There was a great feeling in the
room, and some people commented that they hoped this wasn't just a shot
and they would never see us again and never hear from us. We are back,
and we are passing the bill.
In many Native American communities, Native languages are
disappearing at an alarming rate. As a matter of fact, it is estimated
that only 20 indigenous languages will remain viable by the year 2050.
The link between education, language, and culture is considered by
many as paramount to preserving the very identity of Native Americans.
By encouraging a greater focus on Native language programs, we are not
only striving to preserve that identity, but we are encouraging greater
academic performance among Native American students as well. The fact
that this bill does so within the confines of existing programs makes
it worthy of even stronger support from this body.
Mr. Speaker, when we discuss Native American language preservation,
we are not just simply talking about a method of communication within
tribes. This issue is far deeper than that. It represents the
preservation of an important part of our Nation's history, culture, and
legacy.
By providing grants to Native American language programs consisting
of language nests, survival schools and restoration programs, we are
bolstering that preservation effort. This measure will empower Native
Americans to take the steps they deem necessary to preserve their
indigenous languages and thus their cultures.
After visiting with them last month in New Mexico, I am convinced
that we not only are doing right by giving them the opportunity to
preserve their languages in this way, but we are also right for working
in a creative, fiscally responsible manner to preserve critical
elements of our national heritage.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this worthwhile
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[[Page H7611]]
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4766, the Esther Martinez
Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006, introduced by my
colleague from New Mexico, Mrs. Heather Wilson.
Language scholars estimate that there were approximately 300
languages spoken in North America prior to the arrival of Columbus.
Some project that without intervention, only 20 indigenous languages
will remain viable by the year 2050. This bill will help save Native
languages, whose very survival depends upon our intervention.
Native languages are one of the treasures of this country's heritage,
history, and diversity. The names of many States, cities, towns,
streets, rivers and other geographical names in our country are derived
from Native words. It would be a dishonor to continue to lose the
languages to which we owe their origin.
Native languages have played a vital role in protecting our country
in times of war, Mr. Speaker. In World War I and World War II, many
brave Native Americans performed the role of ``code talkers'' to help
protect this great country.
{time} 2030
We owe much of this language preservation assistance to the legacy of
our heroic code talkers. The key to stemming the loss of our Native
American languages is by significantly increasing support for Native
American language immersion programs. In addition to developing fluent
speakers, language immersion programs have other remarkable benefits.
Studies are showing that native language immersion programs decrease
native dropout rates and increase educational attainment compared to
their counterparts without such opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, these programs are valuable in fostering self-awareness,
self-esteem, social growth, and problem-solving skills which are
crucial in developing confident individuals who can tackle life's
challenges in developing the next generation of Native American
leaders.
H.R. 4766 allows the commissioner of the Administration for Native
Americans Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to
support and strengthen Native American language immersion programs,
including language and language restoration programs. H.R. 4766 takes
an important step forward in recognizing that vital importance of the
Federal Government proactively working to save an important part of our
heritage.
I would be remiss if I did not point out that the allowance for this
grant program is just a promise, and this promise cannot be realized
without a real increase in funding from the Administration for Native
Americans which has been level funded at $44 million for the last 3
years. I pledge today that if this bill should become law, I shall send
a letter to the Appropriations Committee supporting the increased
funding necessary to support this program. I invite Chairman McKeon to
join me in this effort. And I know that Mrs. Wilson is also concerned
with this.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4766. And if this bill should
become law, I invite all Members to join me in supporting
appropriations necessary to fulfill our promise made today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I would state that I would be happy to join
with the gentleman on that letter.
I am happy now to yield whatever time she may consume to the
gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), the author of this bill.
Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. At a government-run boarding school for
American Indians in the 1920s, Esther Martinez was not allowed to speak
Tewa, her native language. Nor could she listen to the kinds of stories
that her grandfather would tell her at her native San Juan Pueblo, now
known as Owingeh. The goal of the school was to assimilate American
Indians, and that meant leaving the past, the stories, and the language
behind. But Mrs. Martinez never did.
After graduating from high school, Mrs. Martinez raised 10 children
on an income earned from working as a janitor and in other service
industry jobs, and she taught her children Tewa.
Esther took linguistics classes, and in her 50s she became a teacher.
She taught Tewa in the local public schools. In 1983, her dictionary of
San Juan Tewa was published, and just a little more than 2 weeks ago on
September 14, Esther Martinez was honored as one of 12 2006 National
Heritage fellows by the National Endowment of the Arts, the highest
recognition in the folk and traditional arts in America.
Two days later, as she returned to San Juan Pueblo, Esther Martinez
was killed in a car accident in Espanola, New Mexico, caused by a
suspected drunken driver. She was 94 years young. With the permission
of her family and particularly of her grandson, Matthew, and the
support of Governor Joe Garcia, I would like to honor Esther's efforts
to preserve native languages by naming this bill for her.
Our native languages are dying. Only about 20 of over 300 precolonial
indigenous languages will be left by the year 2050. And I wanted to
thank my colleagues Tom Udall, Rick Renzi from Arizona, and
particularly Chairman McKeon and Mr. Petri, for taking a personal
interest in this, and of course Ranking Member Kildee for his longtime
leadership on Native American education.
This bill will increase the support for Native American language so
that we can create and recreate fluent speakers of native languages. It
doesn't create a new program, but rather incorporates Native American
needs for language nests and survivor schools and restoration programs
into current authorized funds.
Mr. Speaker, not too far from this House down at the foot of Capitol
Hill, we have the newest building in the Smithsonian Institution. It is
a beautiful building. It is the Museum of the American Indian, and
inside it we are preserving Navajo rugs and bead work and beautiful
pieces of art and kachinas and fetishes. We spend millions of dollars
to preserve objects from the past. This bill I ask my colleagues to
support tonight preserves a living culture through the preservation of
language.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for
his support. I ask my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
Mexico (Mr. Udall).
(Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
4766, the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act of
2006; and I would like to thank my colleague from New Mexico (Mrs.
Wilson) for introducing this important piece of legislation. It is an
honor to be a cosponsor of it. I would also like to thank the gentleman
from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for his hard work on this issue, as well as
many other Members who have taken an interest in this very important
issue, and also thank Chairman McKeon who brought the committee to New
Mexico.
I remember, Mr. Chairman, we were in that room and it was standing
room only. I think we could have gotten a much bigger room and even a
bigger crowd. But it was an enormous crowd, and I think we were all
impressed, and you could see and feel the real interest in this issue
in terms of native communities caring about preserving their language.
So it was wonderful to have you in New Mexico and have the committee
out there and Tom Petri, the gentleman from Wisconsin, who was also
there.
Mr. Speaker, we pass this legislation today with the great hope for
the future, but with great sorrow for the recent past. As has been
mentioned, Ms. Esther Martinez, a master storyteller from Ohkay
Owingeh, a pueblo located in my district, was tragically killed on
September 17, 2006. Esther was returning home from the airport on the
heels of a trip to Washington, D.C. to be honored as a 2006 National
Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts. Esther was 94
years old.
She had dedicated her life to maintaining and preserving the various
forms of the Tewa language. Among her Pueblo people, Esther, or Aunt
Esther, as many called her, is best known for her storytelling, but
also recognized for her linguistic and educational
[[Page H7612]]
contributions. Esther taught Tewa at the San Juan Day School and for
more than 20 years served as the school's director of bilingual
education. She also published her stories and used them as learning
tools in the classroom.
As a master of the Tewa language, she compiled Tewa dictionaries in
various dialects for the Northern New Mexico Pueblos, and also
translated the New Testament into Tewa.
Considering Esther's dedication to preserving her native language, it
is a fitting tribute that this legislation be named after her. The
importance of language and its ability to enhance the rich dynamics of
our Nation's history is often overlooked. From learning the ancestry of
those who came before us to passing stories down through the
generations to maintaining religious, cultural, and social ties,
language is fundamental. Passing this legislation today is an
indication that the importance of cultivating and passing languages
down to younger generations is now being recognized.
I have had the great honor of visiting the Pueblos, the Navajos and
the Apaches, and others, in my district during my four terms in the
Congress and learning the traditions and characteristics unique to each
individual tribe. One similarity, however, is that native languages are
being lost. Tribal elders are often the only ones fluent in the
language as an increasing number of children are growing up in homes
that speak only English.
The urgent need to protect and preserve Native American languages is
clear. We must invest in their preservation by implementing immersion
programs. Passage of this legislation today is an important step toward
reversing that trend. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy).
Mr. POMEROY. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank my
colleagues for what has been a very interesting, indeed moving, debate.
Esther Martinez is someone I wish I had met. You have certainly done
her great credit in your stirring words on the floor this evening.
It was only a couple of years ago we had a procession of horses,
Native Americans dressed in their traditional clothing as we came down
the Mall, part of the ceremonies attendant to the opening of the newest
Smithsonian just down 100 yards from where we speak. It is and stands
as ongoing testament to the rich history and culture of the native
peoples of our land. But in a much broader way we need to make certain
that these cultures continue to live and thrive and are passed on
within the generations.
I so wish that all of my colleagues had the opportunity to attend
some of the events I attend in North Dakota. We are proud to host four
reservations, four tribes, each with their own distinct cultures and
ceremonies, but typically begin with the flag song, an honor song, a
prayer delivered by an elder and so often in the native tongue. I have
often thought, what will happen when these elders are no longer with
us? Will we still have the native tongue?
This legislation is a wonderful commitment of this Congress to the
legitimacy of the actions to preserve native languages, and commits, in
my opinion, very strategic ways to continue to advance these native
languages. In listening, young children, we know just by how the brain
develops, language can be so effectively taught, and then continuing
that trend right through junior high and high school grounding these
emerging young men and women in solid notions of their culture and
their history and their native pride. It can only be as important a
part of their upbringing as our own respective cultural traditions have
been with ours.
So I am very proud to join the discussion tonight and urge that we
pass this bill and then work, as my friend, the gentleman from Michigan
(Mr. Kildee), has mentioned to get the appropriations support behind to
get the funding.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
{time} 2045
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say, seeing Mr. Pomeroy from
North Dakota get up and speak about this, and we have talked about this
before, I had a younger brother that served a mission for our church in
the Dakotas with the Indian people. He would have loved what we are
doing here tonight.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4766, the Esther
Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006. This is
important legislation which seeks to protect, preserve, and promote
indigenous languages across the United States. Among the estimated 175
indigenous languages spoken by citizens of the United States today is
the Chamorro language, the indigenous language of the Chamorro people
of Guam.
Ethnographers and linguists recognize the Chamorro language as
belonging to the western group of the Austronesian language family. The
Chamorro language has been spoken by the Chamorro people for more than
5000 years. It is a beautiful language that has survived outside
influences and westernization.
Chamorro and English are the official languages of Guam. I am proud
to support H.R. 4766 because it proposes to increase federal resources
for Native American language immersion programs. The version of H.R.
4766 that has been brought to the House floor this evening also would
amend the Native American Programs Act to authorize the Administration
for Native Americans (ANA) in the Department of Health and Human
Services to award grants to organizations and colleges dedicated to
Native American language preservation. The bill specifically authorizes
grants to establish site-based educational programs for children and
their families, ``survivor schools,'' and restoration programs.
The preservation of the Chamorro language and culture is within the
current authorized mission of the ANA-administered grant programs that
H.R. 4766 seeks to expand and for which it seeks to reauthorize
funding. The Native American Programs Act, which H.R. 4766 seeks to
amend, contains a definition for ``Native American Pacific Islander''
that includes the Chamorro people and our indigenous language. This
definition is codified in 42 U.S.C. 2992c and should guide the ANA in
administering future grant programs in accordance with this legislation
should it be enacted.
Mr. Speaker, I also note for the record that H.R. 4766 has received
the support of the 28th Guam Legislature. The inclusion of the Chamorro
language as among the Native American languages sought to be preserved
by this legislation is an important element. I urge support for H.R.
4766. I thank the sponsor of this bill, my colleague from New Mexico,
Mrs. Wilson, and the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Education and
Workforce Committee, for advancing this legislation and for ensuring
Guam and the Pacific Territories were included in the legislation.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4766, the
Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006.
Language is an important part of one's culture and heritage.
Unfortunately, many languages are dying off at a tremendous rate.
Native American languages are especially vulnerable and might soon
become extinct if we do not take action to preserve them. It is
predicted that by 2050, only 20 indigenous languages will remain viable
in the United States.
Serving as a member of the Native American Caucus and having worked
closely with the Native American communities of Southern California as
a Congressman (and previously in the California State Assembly and
State Senate), I am committed to helping preserve Native American
language and culture.
In fact, I think Congress should take additional steps to help
educate all Americans about Native American culture and traditions--and
to honor the contributions that the ``first Americans'' have made to
the larger American culture.
That's why I introduced a resolution a couple of years ago to
encourage schools across the country to honor Native Americans for
their contributions to American history, culture and education. The
House passed this resolution, H.R. 168, during the 107th Congress.
And that's why I have been working to establish a Native American
holiday. I believe that a national holiday would help raise awareness
about American Indians. When I served in the California Legislature,
the San Manuel Band asked me to introduce a bill calling for such a
holiday. We passed it in California, and now I have introduced similar
legislation, H. Res. 76, in the House of Representatives.
So I understand what is at stake today: We have a chance to prevent
Native languages from disappearing forever. This is why we must pass
this legislation.
Native American languages can be revitalized through language
immersion programs. Language immersion programs have the ability to
create fluency among students. In addition, students who participate in
such programs often have higher rates of academic success then their
peers who do not. This legislation therefore would be one way to raise
[[Page H7613]]
the academic achievement of Native American students.
The Native American Language Preservation Act would contribute to an
already existing Native language grant program within the Department of
Health and Human Services by allocating grants for language immersion
programs which would not only help keep the language alive, but also
help ensure that Native languages are accessible for the next seven
generations to come.
I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4766. Let's
preserve and honor Native American heritage and save our Native
languages.
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Esther Martinez
Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006 (H.R. 4766). I would
like to congratulate my colleague from New Mexico, Mrs. Wilson, for
bringing this issue forward.
This is important legislation to preserve the culture and increase
fluency in Native American society. Sadly, all across America, Native
American languages are in rapid decline; estimates are that there may
be only 20 Native American languages remaining by the year 2050. These
languages are unique to our country and unique to our history. If we do
not preserve them, they will disappear forever.
This bill will establish a series of grants to help preserve the
language and culture of our Native American people. This will help
create programs that will teach our young people of the importance of
learning the language of their ancestors and continuing to preserve the
history and culture of their people.
Finally, the language programs created in this bill are locally based
educational programs that will help both children learn and preserve
languages in households all across America.
My constituent Dr. Christine Sims, a professor of language at the
University of New Mexico, and Pueblo of Acoma tribal member says, ``The
future of America's first languages, those that are indigenous to this
country hang in the balance of what we do as a Nation to help tribal
communities preserve them. Much has been given up by countless
generations of Native people in the wake of this country's expansion
and growth into the great nation that it is today. It is only right and
just that Congress consider the tremendous price that America's first
people paid in terms of losing so much throughout the course of this
nation's history, including the loss of native languages. Among
America's Native language communities remaining today, the hopes and
the dreams that Native elders, parents and tribes hold for their
children are those which include the maintenance and revitalization of
tribal heritage languages. We can do no less in this country,
therefore, than to ensure that tribal communities have the opportunity
and the funding resources that will help make these hopes and dreams
for their children a reality.
``Today's education for the American Indian student must open the
doors for youngsters to have more opportunities to learn their own
languages as provided in the provisions of H.R. 4766. This bill, so
aptly named for one of New Mexico's tribal elders, Mrs. Esther Martinez
from San Juan Pueblo ( who tragically died in a car accident this past
week), would not only honor the memory of this renowned Native language
advocate and leader, but as well, demonstrate the commitment that
Congress is willing to make in support of the intent and purpose of the
Native Languages Preservation Act.''.
Again, I want to thank my New Mexico colleague, Mrs. Wilson, for
bringing this bill forward, her hard work and dedication are a credit
to her and she is a credit to our State.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, throughout the country, Native American
languages are experiencing a rapid decline. Of the nearly 300 native
languages of the United States, only 210 are still spoken, and all too
often these languages are spoken only among the elderly. This is a
particularly troubling development, given the importance of Native
American languages to tribal identity and culture. As such, I was
pleased that Congresswoman Heather Wilson introduced H.R. 4766, the
Native American Languages Preservation Act, which would provide federal
support for programs that provide language training for young children
and their families. I would also like to recognize Chairman Buck McKeon
for the expedited manner in which he has moved this legislation.
On August 31st, I had the opportunity to travel to Albuquerque, New
Mexico, to participate in a hearing held by the Education and the
Workforce Committee on the ``Recovery and Preservation of Native
American Languages''. We heard from representatives of several tribes
regarding their experiences with this problem and ways in which they
have attempted to preserve their native languages. Fortunately, efforts
are underway to save these languages and to encourage a new generation
of Native Americans to keep their languages alive as an integral part
of Native American culture and identity.
I was particularly pleased that a representative from the Oneida
Nation of my home state of Wisconsin was able to testify at this
hearing. The Oneida have made language preservation a priority by
pairing Elder native speakers with younger English-speakers to train a
new generation to appreciate and preserve the traditional language.
Since 1996, the Oneida have developed a Language Revitalization Program
to connect their fluent Elders with trainees in a semi-immersion
process that would produce speakers, and most importantly, teachers of
the Oneida language.
Although tribes like the Oneida have already begun to develop
programs to preserve their own languages, Congress can help other
tribes create programs of their own. H.R. 4766 will provide more
options for revitalization programs and take advantage of existing
grants within the Administration for Native Americans Office. Mr.
Speaker, I urge support for this bill and for the revitalization of
native languages.
Mr. McKEON. 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 California (Mr. McKeon) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 4766, 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.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to amend
the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the
revitalization of Native American languages through Native American
language immersion programs; and for other purposes.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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