>> the house is about to gavel in for legislative work. members are expected to consider a number of boinls native american lands and casino gaming. also negotiations are ongoing on president biden's social spending package. we could see lawmakers take thawp bill and the senate-passed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill late they are week. live to the floor of the u.s. house here on c-span.

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which the yeas and nays are ordered. the house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? >> madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1619. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the rile -- bill. the clerk: union calendar number 82, h.r. 1619, a bill to clarify the status of gaming conducted by the katja but indian nation, answer for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. leger fernandez, and the

gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous i ask unanimous con sent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: today is the first day of the month that is dedicated to native american heritage. as we all know, the united states hissing to be -- the united states' historic treatment of our indigenous people is fraught with genocide and atempts to erase our culture and identity. but as a nation we have also taken actions to remedy that, to build back from that sad

history. in 1934, congress recognized that term nailings was the wrong poll saned passed the indian reorganization act which recognized tribal governments and placed most remaining tribal land into trust. in 1975 we passed the indian self-determination act allowing tribes to reassert sovereignty and jurisdiction over their own lands and programs intended to benefit them. but the work is far from done. through bipartisan legislation we are debating today and many other legislative initiative, we will undertake this 117th congress, we are furthering tribal recognition and reacquisition of tribal homelands. we are strengthening the consultation requirements to provide better health care to the 70% of native americans living in urban areas. in the infrastructure bill and build back better act we'll have historic levels of funding for programs that meet the trust responsibilities owed to native americans. promised to them as the united

states entered into treaties and took over their historic lands. our work today declares that that -- declares that it is not enough to act knowledge native american heritage, we must also pass the legislation that protects that heritage and strengthens tribal sovereignty and self-determination. i want to thank majority leader hoyer for scheduling these bills to be heard today as we begin native american heritage month. i especially want to thank chairman grijalva and rajing member westerman for moving the bills through the natural resources committee. i wish to hank the sponsor of the bills and the committee staff who dedicate themselves to getting things done on behalf of the indigenous peoples of our country. with that, i turn to h.r. 1619, the catawba indian nation lands act, introgiesd representative clyburn of south carolina. it will ratty -- ratify and

confirm the dp of interior's decision to take into trust 17 achers of land in cleveland county, north carolina, for the benefit of the catawba indian nation. the catawba nation is the only recognized tribe in south carolina and its members preside primarily in the catawba river valley. the current reservation is made up of multiple par shovels land in south carolina totaling about 700 acres. to improve the tribal economy and meet the needs of tribal members, the catawba nation petitioned the department of interior to place several acres of land known as the kings mountain site into trust for gaming and other purposes osm on march 12, 2020, the department of interior accepted the request to transfer the land into trust. the department's decision derived from the land claims settlement act of 1993 which

ended the nation's fight against the state of south carolina and its assertion of aboriginal land claims. the act not only restored the federal trust relationship between the nation and the federal government, but it also contained various provisions about the trust acquisition of land by the secretary of the interior. the use of such land for gaming and the applicability of the indian gaming regulatory act. following the announcement of the interior's decision, the eastern band of cherokee indians filed a suit against it to block the nation's plans to construct a casino complex at the kings mountain site. among other assertion, the eastern band of cherokee indian claims that the project will encroach on its aboriginal territory. however the historical records demonstrate the kings mountain site is within the aboriginal and historic lands of the catawba nation. h.r. 1619 will reaffirm the department of interior's recognition of catawba indian

nation's historic and ancestral ties to the lands in kings mountain and the tribe's right to conduct gaming operations under those -- on those lands under the terms of the indian gaming act. it will provide much-needed economic development opportunities to the nation and the surrounding local communities. i want to thank mr. clyburn for championing this bipartisan legislation and i urge its swift adoption. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. for what purpose does the gentleman -- the gentleman is recognized. mr. westerman: thank you. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: h.r. 1619 would ratify and reaffirm a march, 2020, decision by the department of interior to place 17 achers of land located in kings mountain, north carolina, into trust for the catawba indian nation. in 1980, the catawba tribe filed

a land claim for former tribal land in south carolina but the agreement failed to provide a clear understanding as to where the tribe may have lands held in trust. what process is required. or where there's indian game -- or will the indian gaming regulatory act applies to the catawba nation. in 1995 they entered into an agreement that settled the lawsuit and the south carolina legislature ratified the agreement. congress ratified the agreement by passing the catawba tribe of south carolina lands claim act and extinguished any other claims of the catawba. in exchange the catawba received $50 million, recognition as a tribe and a streamlined process for restoring its land base in south carolina. confusion about the tribe's land continued as it submitted an application to place land in cleveland county, north carolina, acquired into trust to develop a casino.

even after the department of interior approved trust application determining that the tribe met the restored lands exemption under the indian gaming regulatory act, there was still ambiguities that led to a challenge in court. i thoap bill will resolve the remaining issues and give the catawba tribe certainty about its land and the ways it can use it. thank you, madam speaker, and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: i yield five minutes to the gentleman from south carolina. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. clyburn: thank you for yielding me the time. i promise i won'tudes the five minutes. -- i won't use the five minute, i'll leave that for somebody else. madam speaker, i rise today to call on this august body for a favorable vote on h.r. 1619. that's a very interesting number for this legislation.

the legislation known as the catawba indian nations land act. the catawba indian nation lands act clarified that the catawba indian nation is subject to the well-est cab lished rules and regulations of the indian gaming regulatory act on their modern and ancestral lands in the state of north carolina. this legislation will clarify the tribe's 1993 line claims settlement act and reaffirm recent action taken by the department of interior to take land into trust for the tribe. most importantly, this bipartisan legislation is a very significant step toward rectifying his toric injustices that have been perpetrated

against the catawba indian nation. like in many other instances of current effects of historical inequity, the c atawba nation faces high unemployment and poverty rates causing many of its citizens to rely upon federal and state governments for basic social service. the enactment of this legislation is critical to helping the catawba indian nation secure economic self-sufficiency as congress originally intended when it passed the indian gaming regulatory act of 1988. i respectfully ask my colleagues far favorable vote on this act. and i yield back.

ms. leger fernandez: reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the the gentleman from arkansas. mr. westerman: i yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from south carolina, mr. timmons. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. timmons: i rise in strong support of h.r. 1619, the catawba indian nation land act. i was proud to partner with the majority whip, mr. clyburn, and several other colleagues if north and south carolina in introducing this legislation. this bill is straightforward, it would codify action taken by president trump's department of interior last year granting 17 acres of the indian nation's land into trust for the tribe. this action has been held up needlessly in the federal court system although the only decisions so far had been held in favor of the catawbas. this would cut short that process and confirm that the catawba nation can move forward

with their plans for this piece of lapped which is most certainly in the borders of their ancestral home. this will be critical in providing economic opportunity for a community that suffers above-average unemployment and poverty rates. this will reduce the need for members of the catawba nation to rely on federal and state governments for basic social services. this step has been years in the making and i'm glad to have played a small part in getting it done. i would like to thank our partners in the senate for spearheading this effort in their body. hopefully we get this to the president's desk in short order. in closing i would like to ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. it is bipartisan, it is common sense and it will very much help the members of the ca tarvetion wba nation live more prosperous lives. thank you and i yield back. mr. westerman: i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. ms. leger fernandez: i yield two

min those gentleman from north carolina, mr. butterfield. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. butterfield: let me first thank you, congresswoman leger fernandez, for your friendship, thank you for your leadership and thank you for yielding time to me this afternoon. i rise in support of h.r. 1619, the catawba indian nation lands act. a few moments ago, congressman clyburn made reference to the fact that 1619 was a very significant number. what he was referred to -- referring to, madam speaker, was it was the year 1619 that the first slaves arifed in america, first african slave, i might say, arieed in america. it's very interesting that this bill bears that number but i am in full support, full support of this legislation. madam speaker, this is good bipartisan legislation. you can see that it has support on both sides of the aisle. it will ratify actions taken by the department of interior that place 17 acres of land in north

carolina that are within the catawba service area as defined by congress in 1993, place that land into trust for the benefit of the tribe. this bill will enable the cat a, wba indian nation to secure economic self-sufficiency as envisioned by congress in passing the indian gaming regulatory act of 1987. it will generate million, millions of collars -- dollars in economic development and create thousands of jobs in north carolina where few jobs currently exist. that is why i have such a deep interest in this legislation because of the economic impact they have catawba nation has signed an agreement. i need to make sure the record is clear about that. the it has already signed an agreement with our governor and they have the support of the local community. so i respectfully urge my colleagues to vote yes on this important legislation. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the

gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i think that we have heard today about the importance of how we are in essence making history by undoing a little bit of the unfortunate history of the united states. this small parcel of land which will be taken into trust will yield significant benefits for the tribe. i do appreciate the fact that like all the legislation we are considering today, it is bipartisan, and that all of those who are supporting it recognize the benefits that it will bring to the catawba nation. madam speaker, i urge my colleagues to support the legislation. and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h.r. 1619. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative --

>> demand the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3 of house resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. prayed -- pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 2758. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 2758, a bill to provide for the recognition of the lumbee tribe of north carolina, and nurps. for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, mission leger fernandez, the gentleman from arkansas , mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all

members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. h.r. 2758, the lumbee recognition act, introduced by representative butterfield of north carolina, will extend federal recognition to the lumbee tribe of north carolina. with approximately 60,000 members, the lumbee tribe is the largest in north carolina, the largest tribe east of the mississippi river, and the ninth largest tribe in the nation. in 1885, the lumbee tribe was recognized by the state of north carolina. the tribe then sought federal recognition from the united states in 1889 and has been pursuing its recognition ever since. over the past 130 years, numerous bills have been introduced in congress to federally recognize the lumbee people.

resulting in a significant record of hearing transcripts and committee reports. in addition, numerous studies have been undertaken in academia in lumbee industry, including reports filed by the department of the interior on the tribe's have a validity. all of these documents consistently conclude one thing, the lumbee people are, indeed, a distinct self-governing community that has been continuously and undeniably present in the area. however, in 1955 when the lumbee tribe once again sought federal recognition, the u.s. government was actively terminating its relationship with tribal governments. to that end, the department of the interior recommended that congress amend the recognition legislation to deny eligibility for the benefits and services available to the tribe after becoming recognized under the bill. congress then enacted this

amended legislation in 1956. which had the effect of simultaneously federally recognizing the lumbee tribe and effectively terminating that recognition. in 1987, the lumbee tribe attempted to restore the federal recognition through the federal acknowledgement process at the department of the interior. however, the department determined that the tribe was ineligible to participate in the federal acknowledgement process because congress, according to the 1956 act, had terminated its relationship with the tribe. therefore only congress could restore that relationship. this is what the enactment of h.r. 2758 will accomplish. federal recognition is a formal establishment of a government to government relationship between the united states and a tribal nation. its importance to tribes cannot be overstated. federal recognition allows a tribe to re-establish its homelands and place at land into

trust for future generations, recognizing tribes of sovereign entities, enables tribal governments to manage resources, including local jurisdiction and taxation issues. recognition also entitled tribal citizens to distinctive benefits, including eligibility to participate in many federal programs, including health care and education. that is why the enactment of this legislation is vital to the lumbee tribe. let's keep in mind that the lumbee tribe has been seeking formal -- formal federal recognition for over 100 years. now's the time. other tribes that were terminated by congressional action have come before congress and had their relationship re-established through legislation. after a century of inaction, it's time that we extend federal recognition to the lumbee tribe. i want to thank representative butterfield for championing this bipartisan legislation.

i urge its quick adoption. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from arkansas. mr. westerman: madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: madam speaker, h.r. 2758 with extend federal recognition to the lumbee tribe of north carolina and remove a bar that has prevented the tribe from being federally recognized. recognizing the lumbee tribe to would i can its members eligible for services, and other services available to other tribes. it would deliver federal programs to robyson, cumberland, hoke, and scotland counties in north carolina. in 1956 an act by congress designated certain indians as lumbee indians of north carolina and declared they shall enjoy all rights of the citizens of the state of north carolina and the united states. at the same time, the act made them inellible hible for service ass vailable for recognized tribes and makes indian statutes

inapplicable to them. this has led to conflicting department of interior solicitor opinions whether they can pursue administrative recognition. h.r. 2527 would resolve those opinions and recognize the tribe so that its members can receive the benefits other tribes have. i want to thank representative dan bishop from the state of north carolina for his leadership on the issue. thank you, madam speaker. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from new mexico. his leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield five minutes to the gentleman from north carolina, mr. butterfield. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. butterfield: let me first thank you, congresswoman leger fernandez, for your friendship. thank you for your extraordinary leadership and your passionate leadership. you are a wonderful member of this body. i thank you so much for all that you do. you and i serve on another committee together, the election subcommittee, i have seen you in action. thank you so very much. thank to you all of our co-sponsors of this legislation,

both democrat and republican, including the tribe's representative, congressman dan bishop, my friend of the ninth district of north carolina. madam speaker, i rise in strong support of my bill, h.r. 2758, the lumbee recognition act. i urge my colleagues to vote for its passage. madam speaker, the lumbee recognition act will finally extend full federal recognition to the lumbee tribe of north carolina and make its members eligible for the same services, the same benefits provided to members of other federally recognized tribes. most importantly, the bill will establish once and for all the lumbee tribe as an independent and sovereign entity under federal law. colleagues, we have an opportunity before us to do the right thing and fix a historic wrong by passing my bill. north carolina has recognized the lumbee tribe since 1885, and this body, the congress,

recognized the tribe in the 1950's. but during the dog days of the termination era refused to allow the lumbee tribe access to federally funded services and benefits. what a shame. almost all tribes that were terminated, quote-unquote, in this troubling era have since been restored to federal recognition. we are long overdue in delivering the same justice to the lumbee tribe. this legislation has tremendous bipartisan support inside and outside north carolina as demonstrated by a unanimous house vote to pass this very bill last congress. and president biden supports the full federal recognition of the lumbee tribe. now is the time, my colleagues, to get it done. madam speaker, the merits of the lumbee's claim for full federal recognition have long been accepted by our state of north carolina, our state of north carolina, academia, and the federal government.

it is long past time for congress to give the lumbee the respect they deserve and to treat them with the fundamental pairness that has been withheld for so many years. as ms. leger fernandez said earlier, this is the first day of native american history month. what an honor. i urge my colleagues to vote yes and stand on the right side of history. i yield back. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from arkansas. mr. westerman: madam speaker, i yield as much time he may consume to the gentleman from north carolina, who has done so much work on this issue, mr. bishop. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. bishop: i thank the gentleman. i thank representative butterfield for those fine comments. i agree with them 100%. that bill that congress passed back in 1956 said this, even as it recognized the lumbee, nothing in this act shall make such indians eligible for any

services performed by the united states for indians because of their status as indians. and none of the statutes of the united states which effect indians because of their status as indians shall be applicable to the lumbee indians. my goodness. what an error, what a mistake, what an injustice. but that's what the congress at that time said. and it is high time for us to correct that injustice. therefore i am proud to be a co-sponsor with representative butterfield and representative hudson of this legislation. the lumbee have for three centuries been a cohesive, distinct community of aboriginal origins and durable institutions, especially schools living near the lumbee river in robinson county. the lumbee have been called by several names, but it cannot be disputed that they are the

continuously present and vital people shown on a map in 1725 whose common modern surnames appear on a document written in 1771. locklear, chavis, sweet, and groom. they are the lumbee who were living in long swamp in the 1730's, community now known as prospect. i said these words last year. when it appeared very favorable we would pass lumbee recognition then. i'll say it continuously until we get this done. but this is going to be the year. i know the lumbee. i know the warriors ball. and lumbee home coming. unc-pembrook and old maine. the lumbee cultural center and the cozy corner. the lumbee are supremely patriotic americans, got fearing, and washed in the blood

devoted to the liberating cause of education and to civic involvement. proud of their community. loving and welcoming to strangers. they are the best of america and the only honorable course for the united states congress is to accord them their due recognition at long last. so my thank you to representative butterfield for sponsoring this legislation. thank you to representative hudson. thank you to representative grijalva and westerman for permitting it to come forward. stawrch supporters of the lumbee pursuit of congress. lumbee recognition took on new life when both north carolina senators began to champion it. thanks also to former representative mike mcintyre of robinson county, who worked for lumbee recognition for more than a decade. we almost accomplished passage last year. this is going to be the year. i urge overwhelming support for

the lumbee recognition act. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: thank -- mr. westerman: i thank the gentleman for his unwavering support. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from arkansas reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i have no further requests for time. inquire whether my colleague has remaining speakers on their side. . mr. westerman: we have no further speakers, i yield back. the speaker: the gentleman yields back. ms. leger fernandez: i too want to thank mr. butterfield, and everyone else so we may today undo the years of injustice. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yields. the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass bill

h.r. 2758. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection -- >> i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3-s of house resolution 8, the yeas and nays and are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez: i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1975. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: unocal darn number 118, h.r. 197 5rbg a bill to take certain land located in san diego county, california, into trust, for the benefit of the

pala band of mission ended -- indians and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, mse gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. h.r. 197 5rbg the pala band of mission indians lans transfer act of 2021, introduced by representative issa of california, will direct the reck see tear of -- secretary of the interjuror to take 721.12 ache coffers land into trust for the pala band of mission indians. the pala band of mission indians is located in san diego county

with 980 enrolled members. they belong to two tribes forced together by francis can missionaries in the 1800's. the pala band recently purchased property that includes the remaining portion of gregory mountain that is not currently on the reservation and other sacred and significant sites in gregory canyon. the land was purchased to protect gregory mountain, medicine walk and other sacred sites. taking land into trust is an integral part of the government-to-government relationship between the u.s. government and tribal governments. by maintaining tribal lands, tribal governments can preserve sacred sites considered culturally significant. this bill takes 721.12 acres into trust for the benefit of the pala band, ensuring she sacred site and cultural history

located on those lands will be hon in order appropriately and safeguarded. the bill also stipulates that current land and water rights are not affected by its enactment. nor are any rights that are curbly permit. the pala band may not conduct gaming active toins the land. i want to thank representative issa for championing this legislation and i urge its quick adoption. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: i rise in support of h.r. 1975, the pala band of mission indians land transfer act. this bill would place approximately 721 achers of land located -- acres of land located in san diego county, california, into trust for the pala band of mission indians. gaming pursuant to the indian gaming act is prohibited on the

lands being placed in trust by this legislation. in the early 19 90's, san diego, california, voters approved a plan to establish the gregory canyon landfill project but the landfill process fell into props and the development company sold a portion of the land to the tribe for cultural preservation. the tribe is requesting to have that land placed into trust to be part of the tribe's reservation. i want to thank mr. issa for his leadership on this issue and i again urge adoption of the measure and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from california, mr. isavment. mr. issa: i -- mr. issa: i thank the gentleman and as the chair and ranking member said, this is bipartisan and i'm sure will be bicameral. and in fact it is necessary.

because not only is h.r. 1975 necessary in order to put land in trust but we, for more than 20 years now, have had to put most land that gets into trust in trust, because of action by the congress. i want to take this opportunity on behalf of the 18 tribes that i represent and have represented for most of my 20 years in congress, and say that this is the kind of bill i hope we will pass further legislation to make unnecessary. the essential right of our first people to reclaim their ancestral land and have it placed into trust on a nearly automatic basis should not require action by congress time and time again. the pala band of indians had to buy this land at their own expense in order to gift it, essentially, to the federal government. they do so because of the importance of their ancestral land and their pride in the

people they are and the people they have been since before man, western man, walked into california and disrupted their lives. so i am proud that once again we are putting land in trust. i'm proud of the pala indians who worked for more than 30 years to recapture this land. to keep it from being effectively taken away from perpetuity. they have done the right thing. they have reinvested their hard-earned money in putting their 1,000 members together a future of tribal land in which the public land can be aware will be taken care of better than it was under private land. it is no -- it is interesting to me that in fact we have had to get assurances that the tribe would not use this for gaming, which is understood, but the

idea that they cannot use it, they do not in fact regain their water right, that they his toirkly would have, and other, quite frankly is a giveaway that should not be necessary. so i'm happy to take the opportunity to thank the chairman and ranking member but i ask that we really take a hard look at the inefficient i have so the system that has caused every single land and trust that has been done for my 18 tribes or many of my 18 tribes over 20 years to require this action. i believe we should streamline the process to make the bias in favor of the tribes right to reclaim the land to place it in fact into what is trust land which is another name for, it belongs to the federal government, even though it has been bought out of the hard working representatives in my district. in this case pala.

so i want to thank the gentleman for moving this. i believe this is not controversial. i know aye brought up a point that is more controversial which is getting the bureaucracy to do a job they should do on behalf of tribes throughout the united states and as somebody who has been honored to represent much of indian country in california, i hope i speak accurately for all 18 tribes that they believe that what is -- what was theirs and is theirs again should be placed in trust as soon as possible. i thank the gentleman and yield back. mr. westerman: i thank the gentleman for his advo a -- advocacy on the part of his constituent, i do urge adoption of this we're ready to close and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. mr. leger fernandez: i want to thank representative issa, representative westerman and chair grijalva in moving this

forward and taking the action that's required that the time to ensure the pala band of indians can control this land for their sacred and toll churl site -- and cultural sites with that, i urge my colleagues to support the bill and yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yields. the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 1975. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 being in the affirmative -- the gentleman from texas is recognized. >> yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3-s of house resolution #, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek

recognition? ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 5221. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar 123, h.r. 5221, a bill to amend the indian health care improvement act to develop a policy for the department of health and human services. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, mse gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: i ask unanimous con sent to include in the congressional record an exchange of letters between the chair of the committee on natural resources and chair of

the committee on labor and an exchange of letter on the bill between the natural resources chair and the chair on the committee on energy and commerce. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. he yay fernandez: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: h.r. 5221, the urban indian house act will require agencies and offices within the united states department of health and human service, h.h.s., to confer with urban indian organizations, u.i.o.'s, on policies and initiatives related to health care for american indians and alaska natives. the indian health care improvement act established indian -- urban indian organizations in response to many american indians and alaska natives living in urban areas and seeking health care. approximately 70% of american indians and alaska natives live

in urban arias. the indian health service supports contracts and grants to 41u.i.o. programs that offer medical services ranging from dental care, optometrist, pharmacy, and community services such as alcohol and drug abuse prevention, nutrition education and counseling. an urban confer policy will serve as a preferred method of dialogue between the agency and u.i.o.'s. currently the indian health service is the only servais that maintains a legal only nation to confer with u.i.o.'s this limited scope serves a a barrier for u.i.o. to confer with other offices. during the covid pandemic, the issues with this limited policy for highlighted. sadly highlighted. despite congressional and tribal support for the u.i.o.'s and vaccine allocation, h.h.s.

refrained from initiating communications with. the as a result u.i.o. wees wero provide feedback on the distribution of vaccines which delayed distribution to native americans and native alaskans. this is inconsistent with the federal trust responsibility and contrary to sound public health policy. h.r. 5221 will establish direct lines of communication for u.i.o.'s across the entire department and ensure that urban american indians and alaska natives are aware of significant health care policy changes. i want to thank chair grijalva for championing this critical bipartisan legislation. i am pleased to be a co-sponsor of the bill and i urge quick adoption. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves.

the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: today the urban indian health program consists of 41 nontruest programs thaitionwide. these programs are fund through the grants and contracts from the indian health service pursuant to the authorities of the indian health care improvement act. urban indian health they provide services such as information, outreach and referral, dental services, primary care services, community health, and other important services. in 2010 as part of the patient protection and affordable care act, congress re-authorized and amended the indian health care improvement act by adding a requirement that the indian health service confer with urban indian organizations. in 2014, the indian health service established a policy to guide when the indian health service seeks input from urban indian organizations on health

policy matters. other agencies within the department of health and human service that is serve american indians and alaska natives such as the septemberers force medicare and medicaid services, centers for disease control and mr. speakers, and substance abuse and mental health services administration and others do not have policies regarding conferring with urban indian organizations. throughout the covid-19 pandemic, urban indian health organizations were provided no notice that they were required to make selections for covid-19 distribution until the day of the deadline imposed by an agency. this resulted in urban indian organizations struggling to provide accurate responses to changing public health decisions for indians living in urban areas. this bill would amend the indian health care improvement act to require all agencies within the department of health and human services to establish an urban indian organization confer policy. i do want to thank the sponsor of this legislation, chairman

grijalva, and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from arizona, chair of the natural resources committee, mr. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. grijalva: thank you, madam speaker. as stated before, today marks the first day of the national native american heritage month. and i want to thank the gentlelady from new mexico, the chair of the indigenous peoples committee. ranking member westerman, and ranking member young for putting a package together for congress to vote specifically on significant bipartisan pieces of legislation that deals specifically with indian country. i think it is noteworthy and symbolic and as you look -- see these pieces of legislation very much necessary. i want to extend my thanks to all of them for that.

while it's a time to celebrate the histories and achievements of native americans in this country, it's also a time for congress to fully recognize the trust and treaty obligations the u.s. government owes to tribal governments and to indigenous people in our country. ensuring equity for tribal health care entities is an essential part of the federal trust responsibility which is -- which is the reason i am proud to sponsor h.r. 5221, the urban indian health care confer -- health confer act. the accessible and culturally competent health care services that indian health services provides to tribal communities are critical to ensuring well-being. as stated by the chairwoman, over 70% of american indians and alaska natives began seeking health care outside of tribal jurisdictions in our cities, and nonreservation communities across this country. urban indian organizations

u.i.o.'s were created to fill that gap. today i.h.s. supports 41 of these programs that offer vital medical services including dental care, mental health support, social services, such as nutrition, education, and home health care. although u.i.o.'s have been recognized as critical components of the tribal health care system, they continue to experience parity and recognition of purpose and attention that they deserve provided for the services they provide to indigenous people and family services they provide to nonreservation native people across this country. at the department of health and human services only i.h.s. maintains an obligation to confer with u.i.o.'s regarding any health care policy changes that may affect urban indian communities. this issue became declaringly -- glaringly obvious during the covid-19 pandemic when the department exuded -- excluded

u.i.o.'s in the vaccine rollout discussions leaving urban indian communities among the last to receive allocations through their local urban indian centers. as a member of congress who represents a u.i.o., the tucson indian center, i'm grateful for their essential work to keep tribal communities safe and healthy, especially as we go into a post covid-19 connected era. h.r. 51 -- 5221 will establish dwrect lines of communication between u.i.o.'s department of health and human services so they have a seat at the table for all relevant health care policy changes. ensuring that u.i.o.'s achieve equity at the department is sound public health policy, upholds the u.s. government federal trust responsibility, and to indian country. h.r. 5221 represents a much needed change. i urge the quick adoption of this bipartisan legislation. and i yield back my time to the

chair. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: madam speaker, we have no other speakers. we are ready to close. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i want to once again thank chairman westerman, as well as ranking member don young and chair grijalva for bringing forth this legislation because it addresses immediately something that we saw that had lingered but the pandemic, the pandemic shown its ugly light on what happens when we let things linger and do not deal with them. and this legislation fixes that. it highlights the importance of communication, of cooperation, and the confer policy that must be adopted across all of our agencies not only at h.h.s. madam speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yield. the question is, will the house

suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 5221. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair -- >> the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative -- the gentleman from texas. mr. roy: the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3-s of house resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 3616. the speaker pro tempore: the

clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar number 121, h.r. 3616, a bill to authorize the secretary of the interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the bear river national heritage area, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. leger fernandez, and the gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. miss letters: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i rise in support of h.r. 3616, the bear river national heritage study act. introduced by my natural resources committee colleague,

representative blake moore. h.r. 1154 would direct the secretary of interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the bear river national heritage area. the study area would include seven counties in northern utah and southeastern idaho, focusing on areas within the main drainage area of the bear river. heritage areas designations are locally driven initiatives that leverage federal resources to support the preservation of shared heritage in a manner that boosts conservation, recreation, and economic development. these shared stories are vital as we consider what is the american story. these heritage centers have proven successful all over the country and i'm pleased to support this bill that will examine the potential of the bear river region. i look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure successful and sustainable future for the entire heritage area program.

again would like to congratulate representative moore for championing this bill on behalf of his constituents. i urge my colleagues to support the bill. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: thank you. madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. westerman: i first want to thank chairman grijalva and chairwoman leger fernandez for their cooperation in moving this bill forward. h.r. 3616 offered by my colleague, mr. moore of utah, requires the secretary of the interior to conduct a study assessing the suitability and feasibility of designating the bear river national heritage area in northern utah and southern idaho. the bear river area straddles the utah, idaho border where the great basen and rocky mountains meets, home to the northwestern band of the shoshone nation. the bear river migratory bird refuge.

hardware ramp. numerous later date saint hayestry signs. oregon trail, and strong agricultural economy and abundant natural beauty. it's a great candidate for study as a potential national heritage area, this legislation enjoys strong local support. i commend congressman moore for his work on this legislation. i urge adoption of the measure. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas virginia tech. mr. westerman: madam speaker, i yield such time he may consume to the gentleman from utah, mr. moore. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. moore: i thank the ranking member of the house natural resources committee for yielding and his leadership in support of this important piece of legislation. also to my colleague from new mexico, representative leger fernandez, for her kind words of support and support of the bill overall. as well as most importantly our committee staff. thank you all very much.

madam speaker, i rise today in strong support of h.r. 3616, the bear river national heritage area study act, which would conduct a study to determine the areas' suitability for national hair tanl area designation. this would help local communities in the area protect important elements of their heritage and promote the areas a's tourism industry. it enjoys significant local support. and if enacted would help the regionon bet better care it's incredible history with the world. the bawsh river basin, which stretches through northern utah and southeastern idaho, played a key role in settling expansion and development of the american west. native american tribes such as the shoshone call this area home because of the lush environment and favorable weather. today with the construction of the cultural interpretive center in southeastern idaho, these stories will be told like never before. eventually explorers and

adventurers, fur trappers, and religious pioneers settled in the area and began building homes. the region's national water supply makes it idea for farming and quickly became home to thriving frontier towns. generations of family farms in northern utah and southeastern idaho can trace these origins to early days. later the driving of the golden spike marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, an element of pride for the area. this bift ol moment launched our great nation into the globe stage and modern world. today the special place is home to thriving communities that support jobs in the tech, agriculture, education, manufacturing, service, and tourism industries. s we look backwards to retell the history of this region, thesetries are looking forward to write the next chapter of bear river basin's story i'm grateful for chairman grijalva, ranking member westerman, representative leger fernandez, and their staff for the help. i ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the bear river national heritage area study

act. i yield back. mr. westerman: i thank the gentleman for bringing this to our attention. i urge adoption. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. mitts leger fernandez: -- ms. leger fernandez: thank, i urge my colleagues to support this bill. i look forward to listening to the many interconnected and complex stories that will come out of this study and to perhaps visit the heritage area in the near future. i urge my colleagues to support the legislation. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yields back. the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 3616. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider -- the gentleman from texas. mr. roy: yeas and nays, ma'am.

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3-s of house resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. . for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez:ry ask -- i ask unanimous consent that the house suspend the rules and pass s. 108. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: senate 108, an act to authorize the seminole tribe of florida to lease or transfer certain land, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. ms. leger fernandez: and the gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, will each control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without

objection. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. senate 108, introduced by senator rubio of florida, will allow the similar knoll -- similar knoll -- seminole tribe of florida to transfer property that's not held in trust by the united states. it is a federally recognized tribe with the headquarters located in hollywood, florida. it is -- many of the enrolled members reside on the six reservations in florida. recent -- in recent decades, a large portion of the tribe's economic development strategy has been its investment in commercial real estate properties. so far, the tribe owns one of the largest cattle operations in the u.s., along with the hardrock hotel and casino franchise and the 74 international properties. to manage the tribe's growing portfolio, the tribal council

established a commercial real estate investment fund to help create generational stability for the seminole tribe. ultimately, the tribe's hope is to establish a state charter to act as a holding company for certain properties owned by the tribe. unfortunately, the tribe has been unable to move forward with this project due to concerns raised by lenders and proposed title insurance companies about the indian nonintercourse act. the act prohibits any, quote, purchase grant, lease, or other conveyance of land from an indian nation or tribe of indians unless authorized by congress. at least two title insurance companies approached by the tribe have interpreted the act to apply to real estate owned by a state chartered subis i yaer entity of the tribe. as such, the title companies will not insure the mortgage. which in turn effectively kills any ability to finance an

acquisition. senate 108 will therefore provide relief from the indian nonintercourse act by clarifying the semino learnings tribe of -- semono -- seminole tribe of florida, without further approval by the federal government. this bill is led in the house by representative darren soto of florida who is the sponsor of the house companion of the bill. i congratulate him on his stronged a very -- advocacy to get this legislation to the president's desk. s. 108 will allow the seminole tribe to continue its economic development and i urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from new mexico reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized.

mr. westerman: i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. westerman: i want to thank chairman grijalva and chairwoman leger fernandez for working together on this bill. the bill i rise in support of, senate bill 108. it's a bill that authorizes the seminole tribe of florida to transfer or lease certain land. this bill would exempt lands held in fee from the limitations imposed by the indian nonintercourse act by conveying any land a tribe owns without federal approval. the act has generated a great deal of confusion on whether a tribe can buy, sell, lease land it owns. the bill states it does not authorize them to sell, convey, or otherwise transfer any interest of any real property that's held in trust. this bill was introduced in response to real estate investment issues encountered by

the seminole tribe since at least two title insurance companies would not grant the tribe insurance. the bill ensures that the act does not interfere with the ability to -- the fee land imposed by the tribe which would hinder job creation. i urge adoption of the measure and reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: madam speaker, we're ready to close. again, i urge adoption of this measure, and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the gentlewoman from florida is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i am grateful for this bipartisan legislation. i also think it gives us a path forward on how -- what we might need to do for all tribes who encounter this issue. but for now, i am very much in support of s. 108 and urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman yields back. the question is will the house

suspend the rules and pass senate 108. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules -- the gentleman from virginia. >> request a recorded vote, please. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 3-s of house resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i ask the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 4881. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 4881, a bill to direct the secretary of the interior to take into trust for the pascua yaqui tribe of arizona certain land in pima county, arizona, and for other purposes.

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from new mexico, ms. leger fernandez, and the gentleman from arkansas, mr. westerman, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: thank you, madam speaker. h.r. 4881, the old pascua community land acquisition act introduced by chair grijalva of arizona will direct the secretary of the interior to take approximately 30 acres of land into trust for the pascua yaqui tribe. the pascua yaqui tribe is located in southern arizona near the city of tucson and has approximately 22,000 enrolled

tribal member with a 216-acre reservation. before the federal recognition of the pascua yaqui tribe, yaqui leaders tried to establish a home for tribal citizens. in 1921, these efforts led to the formal pascua village in tucson, arizona. before establishment of a reservation in 1978, former congressman mo udall of utah introduced a bill to establish land to the association. while many families relocated to this new land base, many other families remained in the pascua village known as old pascua. for the growing city of tucson and the location from the old reservation, the tribe has made sure that they have been cared

for, included working with the bureau of indian affairs. earlier this year, the tribe entered into a state-negotiated compact with the state of arizona to provide gaming activities in the old pascua community. the secretary of the interior approved the compact in may, 2021. further, the tribe signed an intergovernmental agreement with the city of tucson to transfer a parcel of land within tucson into trust for the benefit of the tribe. this bill ensures that old pascua community remains intact with the tribe's homeland and the bill will allow the tribe to conduct gaming activities, expand economic development opportunities and engage in cultural practices on their historic land. i'm pleased to co-sponsor h.r. 4881, which is a bipartisan bill with support from the pascua yaqui tribe, the city of tucson, the state of arizona, and the arizona delegation. i support the old pascua community land acquisition act,

and i urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the bill. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: thank you, madam speaker. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. westerman: madam speaker, the pascua yaqui tribe owns several parcels of land that it would like to use for gaming. this bill allows them to do that. in may of 2021, the governor of arizona and 21 tribes amended the arizona tribal state gaming compact to build a third gaming facility in the compact designated area in tucson. the compact-designated area is known as the old pascua community, an area with deep historic ties to the tribe. the compact requires land to be taken into trust by an act of congress to open the gaming facility. h.r. 4881 does this by requiring the secretary of the interior to place any land owned by the tribe within the compact-designated area into trust for gaming purposes. thank you, madam speaker, and i

reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, i yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from arizona, the chair of the natural resources committee, mr. grijalva. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. grijalva: thank you, madam speaker. and thank you to the gentlelady from new mexico, chair fernandez, for the time, and to the ranking member westerman. i'm proud to represent the pascua yaqui tribe in arizona's third district. we both call southern arizona our home. the yaqui people are integral, an historic part of the fiber of southern arizona. reflecting our history, our cultures, and our people. h.r. 4881, the old pascua community land acquisition act, will take a 38-acre parcel of land into trust for the pascua yaqui tribe.

the area known locally and to the tribe as old pascua community. as the gentlelady from new mexico outlined in her comments as well as the ranking member, this is -- this is the initial focal point for the yaqui people as they fled persecution, some resettled, some were already part of the community into old pascua. at the time in 1921, it was an isolated area outside the community and outside of tucson. things have grown around them. i think the yaqui community in tucson, arizona, considers old pascua, not only the formerly recognized area for the community but also as sacred site for the tribe. before receiving federal recognition south of tucson, many pascua yaqui families called old pascua and tucson their home. today, many families still call

old pascua home. yet, they continue to fear -- they continue to fear losing their yaqui knowledge, culture, history, and traditions due to the encroachment of a growing city of tucson. other areas of concern for yaqui families including the ownership forsake red, cult -- for sacred, cultural grounds. earlier this year, as mr. west herman -- westerman outlined, the state of arizona and the tribe negotiated a state compact. this compact included gaming activities in the old pascua community to promote the tribe's governmental operations, cultural and religious activities, job creation, increased tribal housing, social and community services, health care, and educational facilities. the tribe has worked tirelessly and with the city of tucson to address their concerns with the county of pima to address their

concerns with the state of arizona and have ventured into an intergovernmental agreement supporting the legislation and the land transfer. since this agreement, the state has negotiated a compact that reflects that agreement and approved it. and the department of interior has approved it. 4881 is a bipartisan bill that will raise the tribal standard of living, improve system coordination and integration of service delivery and promote the ongoing transmission of yaqui knowledge, culture, history, and traditions for future generations. this bill is a bipartisan bill. it merits your support, and i would add that it is -- for the people in southern arizona, an extension of the reality and a confirmation of something that already exists. with that, let me yield back to the chair and thank her and the ranking member very much for the time. ms. leger fernandez: i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the

gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. ms. leger fernandez: madam speaker, this bill once again demonstrates that there is strong bipartisan support for our native american tribes and indigenous communities. i want to thank ranking member westerman as well as ranking member don young on the subcommittee on indigenous peoples. the other thing this bill does, as has been highlighted by chairman grijalva, is that it comes out of collaboration and conversation with everybody on the ground. the local community, the state, the county, the tribe, the people of southern arizona are asking us to take action, and that is what we must do today. i urge my colleagues to support the bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. . the speaker pro tempore: the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the

bill h.r. 4881. those in favor say aye those opposed, no in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 being in the affirmative -- the gentleman from virginia. >> request a recorded vote, please pursuant to section 3-s of section 8, the yeas and nays are ordered pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new mexico seek recognition? ms. leger fernandez: i move the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 20888 as amended. the clerk: h.r. 2088, a bill to take certain federal lands in tennessee for benefits of the eastern band of cherokee and for other purposes pursuant to the rule gentlelady

from new mexico and the gentleman from arkansas will each control 20 minutes. ms. leger fernandez: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to include include extraneous material. i yield myself as much time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman is recognize the ms. leger fernandez: this was interviewed by representative fleischmann takes are lands in monroe county, tennessee to be used for the eastern band of cherokee independentians. these areas include the sequoia museum and land to support these properties and cultural programs. the eastern band of cherokee indians is one of three cherokee tribes and only recognized tribe in north carolina.

it includes substantial parts of several eastern states including tennessee. the 57,000 is the name of the reservation in north carolina. in 1979, the completion of the tennessee see valley caused large areas of the eastern bands along the little tennessee river to be flooded, completely submerging the sacred sites of the historic overleft hand cherokee towns and the cherokee capitals of the 1700's. the eastern band can never recover these lands and sites. it is with this loss in mind that this important to recognize there are other locations in the area that require protection and preservation and we can do it today. h.r. 2088 transfers 76 acres of

historically significant lands from the t.b.a. to be held in trust. and it grants two permanent easements over t.b.a. property to be held in trust to create recreational trails. this legislation will give the eastern band greater control over the home left hand and opportunity to memberallize this. i urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. i reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the gentleman from arkansas is recognized. mr. westerman: i yield myself such time as i may consume. i rise in support of eastern band of cherokee historic lands reawhich situation act. the eastern band of cherokee

eupians is located in the great smoke mountains of eastern north carolina. and covers 50,000 acres. and after the completion of the dam in tennessee in 1979, the tribe i explained to the authority there were areas of historic significance impacted by the tk-pl. it would replace the land and permanent easements along the shores of the little tennessee river in monroe county, tennessee for the benefit of the eastern band of cherokee ands. it kweul be used to memorializing and interpreting the and gaming to the regulatory act will be prohibited and t.v.a. will carry river control throughout the region. i want to recognize the

gentlemanfrom tennessee, mr. tphaoeurb plan for his important work. i urge adoption and reserve. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman from new mexico is recognized. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from arkansas. mr. westerman: i yield to the gentleman from tennessee, mr. fleischmann. >> i rise in support of my bill the eastern band of cherokee historic bands. the great state of tefpb see, my home state, gets its name from the historic overhill village site loathed in monroe county, tennessee.

it serves as the capital of the cherokee people as early as 1721. unfortunately as a result of misguided federal policies, the cherokee people were removed from their homes and surrounding states. this tragic period led to the trail of tears, a journey on which the united states forcibly marched 15,000 cherokees to the indian territory. my bill returns important historical sites back to the eastern band of cherokee nations and deprived of those khe keys who resisted removal in the great smoke mountains. it is on these same lands where the indians have for honored the birth place of sequoia whose

likeness we have had the opportunity to pass as we make from the rontonda to this floor. h.r. 2088 would return land back to the eastern band of cherokees in trust and grand two permanent easements to be held in trust for the tribe for creating recreational tries. the tribe is improving the resources and to providing a means for the economic development to the local community through cult cultural tourism. the cherokee nation has a rich history and i'm grateful to be engaged in the process to safeguard their story. the exact piece of legislation has easily passed the house with broad, bipartisan support for

the last two congresses. i strongly urge members of the united states senate to understand the importance of cherokee land preservation and support h.r. 2088 so it may be brought to president biden's desk in accelerated manner. november serves as indigenous peoples' month and i encourage my colleagues to join in passing this moment us piece of legislation. thank you, madam chair and ranking member and madam speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico reserves. the gentlewoman from new mexico reserves. mr. westerman: i would like to thank the gentleman from ten sigh for his work on this legislation. i thank the chairman and the chair woman for their work on this package of bills.

i urge akopgs of -- adoption of this bill and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the gentlewoman from new mexico. ms. leger fernandez: i thank the ranking member for the support of this package of bipartisan bills that we have brought to the floor today. it is historic that we begin this month with this commitment to these bills and getting them passed in a bipartisan manner. i want to thank the representative from tennessee for his work and bipartisan support we have today on this floor for cultural preservation of tribal sites, the idea that we are committed to safeguard. that is a beautiful word you used, that we are committed to safeguard the importance of tribes because we know too often they are overrun with other interests, that take over and lose those sacred sites.

i'm grateful to all of you for the support of this legislation and the other pieces of legislation that we have brought forward today which which we dedicate ourselves where we are are working to make sure that the health care of indian tribes is maintained and improved in our usual and areas. -- urban areas. it is a good day on the floor and i urge my colleagues to support the other eight bills we brought forward today and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the stkpwopl yields back. the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h.r. 2088 as amended. those in favor say aye those opposed, no in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 being in the affirmative -- the gentleman from virginia. >> request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: pursuan

t to section 3-s of house resolution 8, yeas and nays are ordered pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. the chair lays before the house a communication. the clerk will read the communication. the clerk: the honorable, the house of representatives, madam, i tender my resignation as a member of science, space and technology and has been an honor to serve in this capacity. signed sincerely, pete sessions. the speaker pro tempore: without objection the house accepts the resignation. the clerk: the honorable speaker, madam, this notifies you punt to rule 8 of the house of representatives that i abby

gimenez have been served with a subpoena in the county court for pinellas county, florida. after consultation with the office of general counsel, compliance is consistent with the privileges and rights of the house. the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before the house a communication. the clerk: the honorable, the speaker, house of representatives, madam, on september 22, 2021, the committee on ethics committee received notice of a sign imposed on major yes taylor greenee and house rule 2, clues 3-g, representative greene did not file an appeal prior to the expiration of the time period in house rule 2. on september 27, 2021, the

committee on ethics committee received notice of two signs imposed upon representative greene pursuant to house resolution 38 and clause 3-g. representative greene did not file appeals with the committee prior to the expiration of house rule 2. on september 28, the committee on ethics committee received a fine imposed on representative greene by the sergeant at arms punter toll house resolution 38 and house rule 2. representative greene did not file a an appeal in clause 3-g, signed sincere shreu chairman and jackie wallersy ranking

member. the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before its house a communication. the clerk: madam, on september 22, 2022 1-rbgs the ethics committee of a fine imposed andrew khrao*eud pursuant to house resolution 38 and representative khrao*eud did not file an appeal with the committee prior to the spreurgs of the time period specified in 3-g, 3-b of house rule 2. the committee on ethics, committee, received notice of a fine imposed upon representative khrao*eud by the sergeant at arms punter to house resolution 38 and house rule 2. representative khrao*eud did not clyde did not file an appeal of house rule 2. on september 28, 2021, the

committee on ethics committee received notice of a fine imposed upon representative clyde by the sergeant at arms pursuant to house resolution 38 and house rule 2, clause 3-g. representative clyde did not file an appeal with the committee prior to the expiration of time period specified in clause 3-g, 3-b of house rule 2. signed sincerely, theodore deutch, chairman, and jackie walorski, ranking member. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to clause 12-a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. today.

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>> the white house covid-19 response team held a briefing. giving new details on the government's vaccination program for children ages 5 to 11. they said approximately 15 million doses of the pfizer vaccine designed specifically for children are expected to arrive at doctors' offices and pharmacies within days. jeff: the food and drug administration authorized pfizer's covid-19 vaccine for ages 5 to1. -- to 11. this is an important step forward in our nation's fight against the virus. as dr. walensky will discuss, this week, the cdc will make its clinical recommendations on vaccinations for this age group. as we await the cdc decision, we