[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H6025-H6028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY ACT OF 2009

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 40) to honor the achievements and 
contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
  The text of the joint resolution is as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 40

       Resolved 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 ``Native American Heritage Day 
     Act of 2009''.

[[Page H6026]]

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) Native Americans are the descendants of the aboriginal, 
     indigenous, native people who were the original inhabitants 
     of and who governed the lands that now constitute the United 
     States;
       (2) Native Americans have volunteered to serve in the 
     United States Armed Forces and have served with valor in all 
     of the Nation's military actions from the Revolutionary War 
     through the present day, and in most of those actions, more 
     Native Americans per capita served in the Armed Forces than 
     any other group of Americans;
       (3) Native American tribal governments included the 
     fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation of 
     governmental powers;
       (4) Native Americans have made distinct and significant 
     contributions to the United States and the rest of the world 
     in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, 
     language, and art, and Native Americans have distinguished 
     themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, 
     and scholars;
       (5) Native Americans should be recognized for their 
     contributions to the United States as local and national 
     leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars;
       (6) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
     Americans have made to the fabric of American society will 
     afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their 
     respect and admiration of Native Americans for their 
     important contributions to the political, cultural, and 
     economic life of the United States;
       (7) nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native 
     Americans have made to the Nation will encourage self-esteem, 
     pride, and self-awareness in Native Americans of all ages;
       (8) designation of the Friday following Thanksgiving of 
     each year as Native American Heritage Day will underscore the 
     government-to-government relationship between the United 
     States and Native American governments;
       (9) designation of Native American Heritage Day will 
     encourage public elementary and secondary schools in the 
     United States to enhance understanding of Native Americans by 
     providing curricula and classroom instruction focusing on the 
     achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the 
     Nation; and
       (10) the Friday immediately succeeding Thanksgiving Day of 
     each year would be an appropriate day to designate as Native 
     American Heritage Day.

     SEC. 3. HONORING NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE IN THE UNITED 
                   STATES.

       Congress encourages the people of the United States, as 
     well as Federal, State, and local governments, and interested 
     groups and organizations to honor Native Americans, with 
     activities relating to--
       (1) appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to 
     observe Native American Heritage Day;
       (2) the historical status of Native American tribal 
     governments as well as the present day status of Native 
     Americans;
       (3) the cultures, traditions, and languages of Native 
     Americans; and
       (4) the rich Native American cultural legacy that all 
     Americans enjoy today.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) and the gentleman from Colorado 
(Mr. Lamborn) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, House Joint Resolution 40 honors the 
achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United 
States. The descendants of the original indigenous people of this great 
Nation have greatly contributed to our Nation's rich cultural heritage 
and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the United 
States as national leaders, artists, athletes, scholars and patriots.
  Native Americans have made distinct and significant contributions to 
the United States and the world in many fields, including agriculture, 
medicine, music, language, and art. Native Americans have distinguished 
themselves as notable inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and 
scholars.
  Tribal governments have embodied the spirit of the U.S. Constitution 
and the liberties of democracy since before the Founding Fathers. They 
enjoyed the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and separation 
of governmental powers that we hold so dearly. Native Americans have, 
and continue to be, noteworthy and tireless community activists, fair 
and impartial judges, and deft politicians.
  With this resolution, we honor the contributions and cultural 
heritage of Native Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to take this time to congratulate and thank our 
colleague, Mr. Baca of California, for his hard work to bring this bill 
to the floor. Were it not for him, the continuing legacy of Native 
Americans would go unrecognized for its great achievements. Mr. Baca's 
dedication to all Native Americans is most admirable.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of House Joint 
Resolution 40.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  We have no objection to the joint resolution, and in fact, we 
wholeheartedly support passage of this measure. This measure encourages 
all people in the United States to recognize the legacy, as well as the 
future, of Native Americans as an intrinsic part of our Nation's 
culture and history.
  Indian Country has produced such a treasury of wisdom and talent that 
it is difficult to know how to begin to describe it all. From the 
Indian people who encountered the Pilgrims, to those who helped Lewis 
and Clark, from the courageous souls who fought in the Revolutionary 
War, to veterans of the foreign wars, from Chief Joseph, to Maria 
Tallchief, to Jim Thorpe; Indian people from hundreds of different 
tribes have distinguished themselves across history as leaders, 
peacemakers, and in many walks of life. They bequeathed a legacy that 
inspires and enriches future generations.
  It is right that this resolution encourages all Americans to 
recognize the day after Thanksgiving as a day to appreciate and learn 
more about Native Americans, and again, we support this measure.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to yield such 
time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, Congressman 
Baca of California.
  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 40, the Native 
American Heritage Day Act of 2009.
  I would like to thank Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall, Ranking 
Member Doc Hastings, and the leadership for their support and efforts 
in bringing this resolution to the floor.
  I also would like to recognize the gentlelady from the Virgin 
Islands, Representative Christensen, and Doug Lamborn from Colorado, 
for their hard work in the Natural Resources Committee.
  H.J. Res. 40 will help pay tribute to Native Americans for their many 
contributions to the United States by encouraging all Americans to 
observe Native American Heritage Day through appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities.
  I have been working diligently towards an official day of recognizing 
for Native Americans since my time in the California legislature.
  In the 110th Congress, H.J. Res. 62 was passed in both the House and 
the Senate and was signed by President George Bush. This bill 
encouraged all Americans to recognize the Friday after Thanksgiving in 
2008 as Native American Heritage Day. This law was the first time in 25 
years that Native Americans were honored on such a national level.
  Due to House rules that restrict commemorative legislation, we are 
not able to have legislation on an annual basis recognizing the Native 
American holiday and I hope one day we will be able to do that. This 
legislation needed to be reintroduced to ensure that this day of 
recognition continues in 2009.
  So in this Congress, under a new administration, I introduced H.J. 
Res. 40, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. The act 
encourages all Americans, the Congress, and President Barack Obama to 
recognize the important contributions of the Native American community.
  I will work with Senator Daniel Inouye and his colleagues to pass 
this resolution in the Senate and send this once again to the President 
for his signature. This recognition should not be just for 1 year or 
one Congress, but it should be for every year.

[[Page H6027]]

  I thank Senator Inouye and the National Indian Gaming Association for 
their help in this Congress and for all of their efforts from the 110th 
Congress.
  It is important that we recognize the contributions of Native 
Americans in all aspects of our society, including government, 
language, and history. Native Americans distinguished themselves 
throughout history as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, 
athletes, and scholars. People caring about people. They have made 
significant contributions in the fields of agriculture, medicine, 
music, language, and art.
  We must not forget that Native Americans have fought with valor in 
every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War. In fact, 
Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when 
compared to other ethnic groups. More than 44,000 served with 
distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters 
of war. One Native American hero many of us are familiar with is 
Corporal Ira Hayes, the courageous soldier immortalized forever when he 
helped to raise the flag at Iwo Jima.
  More than 40,000 Native Americans left their reservations to work in 
ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries. They also 
invested more than $50 million in war bonds, and contributed generously 
to the Red Cross and the Army and Navy Relief societies.
  During the Vietnam War, over 42,000 Native Americans fought bravely, 
of these over 90 percent of them volunteers. Native American 
contributions in United States military combat continued in the 1980s 
and 1990s as they saw duty in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, and the Persian 
Gulf.
  Last Congress, as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I 
worked with my colleagues to ensure the PBS World War II documentary 
``The War'' included the sacrifices of both our Native American and our 
Hispanic heroes.
  But there are many other Native American contributions away from the 
battlefield that also deserve to be recognized. Our history, our 
culture, our traditions, and what we give to our society and each of 
our communities is part of an integral educational process that we 
should do.

                              {time}  1500

  In an area near and dear to my heart--athletes--Native Americans have 
produced one of the greatest football players ever--Jim Thorpe. And 
their native languages are cultural treasures that were often used to 
keep the United States safe from attack--as was the case with the 
Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, who fought for freedom and 
democracy.
  Last Congress--again, in my role as the chair of CHS--I fought with 
my colleagues to beat back harmful English-only amendments that would 
have threatened the continued existence of their language and their 
contributions to our society.
  Today--through Indian gaming--Native Americans build an important 
economic engine that creates good-paying jobs, that can't be 
outsourced, in many of our communities.
  In my own area, the Inland Empire of Southern California, the 
Pechanga and Sobaba Band of Luiseno Indians both make it a point to 
give back to the community, along with the San Manuel Band of Mission 
Indians. My good friend James Ramos and I served to make sure that the 
legislation passed in the State of California.
  These tribes contribute extensively to local charities and also have 
donated funds to counties and local governments. The funds have been 
used to purchase everything from police equipment to books for the 
classroom.
  It is important for all of us to see the significant contributions of 
the cultures and traditions and that everyone is properly educated on 
the heritage and achievements of Native Americans. And I state: 
everybody is properly educated, without the stereotypes that have been 
in place.
  That is why my bill encourages public schools to place a greater 
emphasis on teaching Native American history and culture to our 
children. We must ensure that future generations understand the 
significant cultural legacy of Native Americans to this country--the 
true Americans, the true heroes, and the true citizens of this country.
  For many of us, the Friday after Thanksgiving is known simply as a 
day of shopping or a day off work or off school. It's a day to 
recognize what it means in recognizing those who have contributed to 
our country. Let us make this day a true reflection of the significant 
contributions of all Native Americans.
  As we all know, nationwide recognition of this contribution is long 
overdue. I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Resolution 40, and take a 
firm step in honoring Native Americans. I thank both of my colleagues 
for supporting this legislation.
  Mr. LAMBORN. I want to commend Representative Baca for his work on 
this issue and for his eloquent remarks. At this point I will reaffirm 
that we support this measure wholeheartedly.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
House Joint Resolution 40, which honors the achievements and 
contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other 
purposes.
  I want to commend the sponsor of this resolution, my good friend from 
California, Mr. Joe Baca, for introducing such an important piece of 
legislation designating a day to honor and celebrate the rich 
traditions and cultures of our Native American heritage. I also want to 
thank and recognize my fellow colleagues and supporters of this joint 
resolution.
  Today, this legislation honors the distinct and notable contributions 
the Native Americans have made to the United States and the rest of the 
world. They have achieved significant accomplishments and have made 
many contributions to the many fields of agriculture, medicine, music, 
language, and art. These First Americans who were here prior to the 
arrival of Europeans have been and always will be an integral part of 
our U.S. history. This resolution recognizes the contributions they 
have made through politics, economics, and, importantly, enriching the 
cultural fabric of our country.
  Our Native American brothers and sisters have always volunteered to 
serve in the Armed Forces since the time of the Revolutionary War and 
they continue to serve with valor in our military today. We must also 
acknowledge the contributions and impact the Native Americans had on 
the creation of the fundamental principles that make our great country. 
Either through inspiring the Founding Fathers of the separation of 
governmental powers or providing for and the protection of freedom of 
speech, the Native American tribal governments are instrumental in the 
creation of our United States Constitution.
  This day, Native American Heritage Day, will provide for the 
nationwide recognition of all our Native Americans who are estimated to 
number almost 2.5 million. It will help the American public celebrate 
and understand the culture and history of the many 562 federally 
recognized tribes as well as the other hundreds of tribes who have yet 
or are in the process being recognized by the states and the federal 
government. By way of programs, ceremonies, or activities to celebrate 
Native American Heritage Day or the enhancement of classroom 
instruction, we will better appreciate and understand the richness of 
the Native Americans.
  In today's world, our country is more diverse than ever and it is 
important that we honor the Native Americans. It is imperative that we 
celebrate and recognize the rich cultural legacy of our first brothers 
and sisters.
  For these reasons, I strongly urge my fellow colleagues to support 
this resolution honoring the First Americans.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
support for H.J. Res. 40, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009. 
Though I was unable to vote for this measure, I would like the record 
to reflect that I wholeheartedly support the establishment of a Native 
American Heritage Day whereby all Americans can pause to remember the 
numerous contributions Native Americans have made to our country.
  Their commitment to family, to community and our country is 
noteworthy and substantial. They have played important roles in our 
society as artists, teachers, leaders, statesmen and stateswomen, 
soldiers and public servants. As Native American communities across 
Arizona and the country seek to empower and improve their community 
through self-governance and strengthen the bond of the government-to-
government relationship between the United States and Native American 
governments, we should welcome the opportunity to reflect on their past 
and continued contributions to the United States' society and culture.
  It is an honor to have 11 tribal communities in the First 
Congressional District of Arizona. My commitment to serving their 
communities and improving their lives by working together is a natural 
extension of my earliest memories living and growing up on White 
Mountain Apache tribal lands.

[[Page H6028]]

  Establishing Native American Heritage Day is an important step to 
help celebrate and preserve the cultures of Native America, and I 
congratulate Rep. Baca and this House for their support and recognition 
of Native America.
  Mr. LAMBORN. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I, too, want to thank and commend Congressman Baca 
for this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 40, as 
amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. 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.

                          ____________________