[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E194-E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SPORTSMEN'S HERITAGE AND RECREATIONAL ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2014

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3590) to 
     protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, 
     fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes:

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment 
offered by Chairman Hastings. This important amendment includes a 
provision protecting the hunting, fishing and related treaty rights of 
all federally recognized tribes with respect to the provisions of H.R. 
3590.
  Treaties are at the foundation of the government-to-government 
relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. Throughout 
the history of this country, tribal governments signed hundreds of 
treaties with the United States, often ceding significant portions of 
their homelands. Many of these treaties included provisions in which 
the United States made solemn promises to secure and protect the 
important hunting and fishing rights as well as other rights to sustain 
Indian people. As we pass laws that affect federal lands, it is 
important that we ensure the continued treaty rights of all federally 
recognized Indian tribes.
  Rights emanating from treaties between Indian tribes and the United 
States apply to all federally recognized tribes, whether they were 
recognized by treaty, an act of Congress, administratively or through a 
court settlement. This amendment to H.R. 3590 would make it clear in 
the legislation that the treaty rights, including treaty hunting and 
fishing rights, and other rights of all federally recognized tribes are 
preserved and not affected by the other provisions of this legislation. 
I urge your support for this amendment.

[[Page E195]]



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