[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       RECOGNIZING TRIBAL LEADERS

  (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tribal leaders 
from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National 
Congress of American Indians' 2020 Winter Executive Session.
  NCAI was founded in 1944 with the mission to protect and enhance the 
sovereign rights of Tribal nations and to secure a prosperous future 
for Native communities.
  In fact, initially, NCAI had to fight against many restrictions and 
injustices perpetrated by this very body. It is this complicated and 
challenging history that is the backdrop of the work we do here today.
  It is important, then, that the United States Government works to 
honor Tribal sovereignty, promote self-determination, and fulfill the 
trust responsibility to Native Tribes.
  We must also pass advanced appropriations for the Indian Health 
Service and provide resources to upgrade the roads, schools, and 
internet access across Indian Country.
  Madam Speaker, I urge the House to take up these issues immediately 
and do our part to support our Tribal partners.

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