[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                OSTRWSS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize a very important 
and historical event in South Dakota: the Missouri River reaching the 
Pine Ridge Reservation. On August 20, 2008, a celebration will be held 
in Wanblee, SD, to commemorate such a monumental milestone in the 
history of Pine Ridge.
  It has been nearly 20 years since Congress adopted the Mni Wiconi Act 
to bring clean water sources to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bringing 
the Missouri River to the people of Pine Ridge will have an enormous 
impact in the overall quality of life of tribes and residents in the 
area. I have been pleased to work on this project with tribal leaders 
and residents during my tenure in Congress.
  I commend the Oglala Sioux Tribe Rural Water Supply System, the 
concerned tribal officials, and residents who have worked tirelessly, 
some since the 1960s, to bring a clean drinking water source to the 
people of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The event on August 20 is an 
opportunity for everyone to celebrate the hard work and commitment 
involved in making this dream a reality, while looking forward to the 
great results that Missouri River water will bring to future 
generations. The impacts will be positive, they will be far-reaching, 
and they will be impressive.
  Again, congratulations to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux 
Tribe Rural Water Supply System on this historic event. People have 
waited a long time for this day to come, and I am glad it is finally a 
reality.

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