[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ERNEST HOUSE SR. TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Ute 
Mountain Ute Tribal leader from the Weeminuche Tribe, Ernest House Sr. 
Over the past 30 years, his influence, dedication and leadership to the 
Ute Mountain tribe has grown the tribe's influence in the state of 
Colorado and in the United States.
  Mr. House is the grandson of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe's last 
hereditary Chief, Chief Jack House. In the last years of Chief Jack 
House's life, Mr. Ernest House Sr. cared for him, learning much about 
the tribe's history and potential for future plans.
  Mr. House was first elected to the Ute Mountain Tribal Council in 
1979. Three years later, Mr. House became chairman for the first time, 
beginning the first of his four nonconsecutive four-year terms as 
chairman for the Ute Mountain Tribe--his last term ending in 2010.
  As chairman, Mr. House helped the Ute Tribe accomplish several 
projects that widened the tribe's economic and natural resource 
development. Between 1986 and 1988, Mr. House worked to complete two 
major water compacts to provide water throughout the Ute territories. 
In addition, Mr. House oversaw several building projects, including a 
tribal health center and casino. In his last term as chairman, Mr. 
House Sr. focused primarily on tribal safety, widening the Tribe's 
police force from two officers to more than 12 officers.
  On Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, Mr. House was tragically taken from us 
after a motorcycle accident outside of Cortez, Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Ernest House Sr. His 
leadership and dedication to the Ute Tribe has benefited thousands, and 
he will be greatly missed by the Ute Tribe and the state of Colorado.

                          ____________________