[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 19, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Native American 
Caucus, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and 
Crafts Amendments Act of 2009, which will safeguard an industry 
critical to the Native American economy and small businesses.
  First, I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader 
Hoyer, and Chairman Rahall for their leadership in bringing this 
important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague 
Congressman Pastor, the author of this legislation, who worked so hard 
to help such an underserved community protect their economic 
livelihood.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 
2009 amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to authorize any 
federal law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation of an 
offense involving the sale of any good that is misrepresented as an 
Indian produced good or product. H.R. 725 authorizes the Indian Arts 
and Crafts Board to refer offenses to any federal law enforcement 
officer for investigation. In addition, this bill proposes new 
penalties for goods offered or displayed for sale or sold for less than 
$1,000 at a $25,000 fine, a 1-year imprisonment, or both.
  In California, the State I represent, there are over one hundred 
Native American tribes, many of varying levels of economic success. 
Misrepresentation of products is one of the biggest problems facing the 
Native American art industry and market. Not only does the industry 
have to compete with the larger market, but Native Americans must 
compete with those who copy and counterfeit their work. Income from a 
single artist is often the sole source of support for their family, as 
well as being a source of strength and pride that reinforces cultures 
and traditions within communities. Therefore, as a long time friend and 
supporter of the Native American community, I am so pleased to champion 
a bill such as H.R. 725, which protects the unique economic 
opportunities of this community.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this bill because it protects 
an important industry in the areas and populations that needs 
assistance. The communities benefiting from H.R. 725 represent some of 
the most traditionally disadvantaged, isolated, and underserved 
populations in America. I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure 
that Native Americans receive full protection of their most viable 
industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 725.

                          ____________________