[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WELCOMING MS. VERNA TELLER

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. 
Haaland) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have a fierce woman from 
my district to deliver a historic opening prayer.
  Isleta Pueblo Chief Judge Verna Teller is the first Native American 
to deliver the opening prayer in the U.S. House.
  This is a special time in our country's history and, in honor of 
Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the contributions 
of Native Americans to this country.
  Chief Judge Teller made her own history in New Mexico. She broke 
barriers when she was elected as the first woman Pueblo Governor. 
Because of the history of colonization, many Pueblos generally don't 
allow women to hold leadership positions, but that didn't stop Judge 
Teller from knowing her value as a Tribal leader.
  I am proud to stand with Chief Judge Teller to highlight the 
resilience of indigenous women and our perseverance to uplift our girls 
and our women in all of our communities.

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