[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H6257-H6258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST HOUSE, SR.

  (Mr. TIPTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TIPTON. Madam 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 Ute 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 4-year terms as chairman 
of 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

[[Page H6258]]

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 2 officers to 
more than 12 officers.
  On Saturday, September 17, 2011, Mr. House was tragically taken from 
us after a motorcycle accident outside of Cortez, Colorado.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege 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.

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