[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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