[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE NATIVE AMERICAN CHALLENGE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2007

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I am happy to introduce today the 
Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2007. This 
legislation acknowledges the special historical and legal relationship 
of the United States to Native American people and builds on the 
lessons we as a Nation have learned in the international arena and our 
often-failed efforts to bring jobs, income and hope to Native people 
here at home.
  Anyone who has visited Alaska Native communities or Indian 
reservations in the continental U.S. knows that Native people continue 
to lag behind their countrymen despite a rich cultural legacy and in 
some instances abundant natural resources on and under their lands. 
Native economies face a number of hurdles including geographic 
remoteness, distance from markets and population centers, and lack of 
or poor physical infrastructure. After decades of failed Federal 
efforts to revitalize Native economies, I believe the time is right to 
use what we know is working to reduce poverty, increase incomes, and 
encourage transparent governments in the developing world. Initiated in 
2003, the Millennium Challenge Act has put forth ration has developed a 
model for reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic growth.
  The bill I am introducing today would use these same principles to 
enhance the long-term job creation and revenue generation potential of 
Native economies by creating investment-favorable climates and 
increasing Native productivity. It would also administer Federal 
economic development assistance in a new way to promote economic 
growth, eliminate poverty, and strengthen good governance, 
entrepreneurship, and investment in Native communities.
  The Native American Challenge rests on four key principles that are 
as relevant to Native communities as they are to the developing world: 
(1) reducing poverty through vigorous private sector economic growth is 
a proven method of success; (2) rewarding constructive policies that 
are initiated and followed by the host government is a legitimate tool 
of United States policy; (3) operating as true partners with eligible 
entities increases the chances of success by maximizing communication 
and identifying and pursuing whatever mid-course corrections might be 
needed in tailoring an eligible entity's development plan; and (4) 
focusing on clearly-articulated criteria and concrete results by 
funneling Corporation attention and resources on those countries that 
have clear objectives, are willing and able to measure progress, and 
can therefore ensure accountability in their development plan.
  A critical component of the Native American Challenge is in its 
demand for accountability in the performance of the Compact terms and 
use of financial resources and this legislation would require that not 
later than March 15, 2008, and annually thereafter, the eligible 
entities shall prepare and submit to the Secretary written reports 
regarding the assistance provided under this Act during the previous 
fiscal year. These reports, with any additional information the 
Secretary deems relevant, will then be transmitted to Congress by May 
15 of each year.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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