[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FULL-YEAR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

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                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other 
     departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the amendment 
offered by my colleagues Congressman Don Young and Congresswoman Mazie 
Hirono.
  This amendment removes the current language in H.R. 1 that prohibits 
the Department of Education from funding the Alaska Native Education 
Equity Act and the Native Hawaiian Education Program. No additional 
funds are added to the underlying bill.
  Alaska and Hawaiian natives historically have had lower student 
achievement levels due to high rates of poverty and the lack of 
resources available to them. Investment in Alaska Native and Native 
Hawaiian programs have decreased student dropout rates and improved 
student achievement. These programs provide students a quality 
education while also recognizing and building upon their unique 
cultural backgrounds.
  As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my 
colleagues in Congress to address the needs of all Native Americans, 
Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. I will continue to advocate on 
behalf of all of our native populations and work to ensure that they 
have equal opportunities to succeed.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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