Raúl Grijalva

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This has been a typical debate on Puerto Rico because the question of status and the question of decolonizing our relationship with the people of the island is a question that causes spirited debate. That is okay, but spirited debate with misinformation and hastily drawn conclusions is not the way to debate. We will leave that for another day. The important point today is that this did not get parachuted at the last minute. This has been a difficult process for all involved, and, I might add, a bipartisan process, to bring one final resolution regardless of where the clock is in terms of this session. This is the time that this was completed. Madam Speaker, I am proud of this, and I am urging a ``yes'' vote on the legislation. There are two fundamental differences between ourselves and the minority on this. The intent of the bill is simple: that there be three options, all requiring a deliberate and informed decision by the people of the island. The current status is not one of those three options. Why? Because the intent of this legislation is to allow the Puerto Rican people not to be colonized and be a colony. That is the decolonization part of the legislation. The other part, although it has been the habit lately of people wanting not only to predict outcomes of elections but to guarantee outcomes of elections, contrary to that philosophy, this directs that the people of Puerto Rico make the decision and respect that decision. Our identity as a Nation is built on the values that we are all here to support and respect. It is built on the rule of law. The people of Puerto Rico, as citizens of this Nation, must be extended the respect and the consideration that, since 1898, we have been the overseer of a colony in this country. We must extend them the opportunity to choose their path forward. That is all it is. It is democratic; it is fair; and it is overdue. Madam Speaker, I thank all the Members who worked on this--in particular, Representatives Velazquez, Soto, Gonzalez-Colon, and Ocasio-Cortez--for the difficult periods and times they went through in this process, and obviously Majority Leader Hoyer for his insistence, his prodding, and, on occasion, his calmness to get us to this point. I thank the staff on our committee: chief counsel, Luis Urbina; deputy chief counsel, Margarita Varela; policy aide, Ivan Robles; staff director, David Watkins; and director of our Office of Insular Affairs, Brian Modeste. I also thank each and every one on Leader Hoyer's staff: Trent Bauserman and Chris Bowman; also Renata Beca-Barragan on Ms. Velazquez's staff; Gabriella Boffelli on Miss Gonzalez-Colon's staff; and Andrea Valdes on Mr. Soto's staff for their hard work and dedication to getting us to this point today. Sometimes that kind of work is underappreciated. I acknowledge their work and thank them. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of three long-time staffers, each of whom has served this body and the American people for more than two decades. All of us on this floor recognize the essential contribution staff make towards our individual and collective success--whether crafting policy, shepherding legislation, or serving our constituents. Knowledgeable, diligent, talented public servants are the glue of this institution, and those who dedicate their lives and careers towards this service deserve our special appreciation for sharing their wisdom and experience with the next generation of public professionals. The staff I hope to honor here today embody those ideals, working tirelessly and selflessly to support progress on issues that matter to the American people, serving as a model for our entire team and for this chamber. Though no speech could encapsulate the breadth of their dedicated service, I firmly believe they deserve to be recognized before the full House for their distinguished careers. David Watkins, the Staff Director for the House Committee on Natural Resources, began his career on Capitol Hill more than two decades ago, first joining the office of his hometown Congressman and our esteemed colleague, Representative Lloyd Doggett. David then joined the Committee working on public lands issues before working his way up to Subcommittee Staff Director, Chief Counsel, and eventually to Staff Director of the full Committee. Under David's leadership in the majority and minority, our Committee saw historic accomplishments, from advancing comprehensive environmental justice legislation to supporting self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico. Even as the Full Committee Staff Director, David's work on the behalf of public lands was never far from his heart. Throughout his career he was an adept advocate for special places, advancing historic lands bills from P.L. 111-11 and the Dingell Act to the Great American Outdoors Act. Perhaps most of all, David was a trusted and respected leader on our team, helping to support and develop staff, incorporate diversity and inclusivity, and ensure we championed issues too often forgotten. His knowledge of Committee process and history was invaluable as I took on a Committee leadership role, and his guidance and good humor have helped our Committee through many long markups and floor debates. Nancy Locke, the Chief Clerk of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has been in her current role since 2019, but her service to this Committee and this Congress began long before. Nancy first joined the Committee more than twenty years ago, first serving as the Clerk for the Subcommittees on Energy and Mineral Resources and National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands under Chair Doc Hastings, before working her way up to Deputy Chief Clerk and then Chief Clerk of the Full Committee. Her distinguished career also included more than a half decade of service on the House Education and Labor Committee as their Chief Clerk. Throughout her time on the Hill, Nancy has seen this chamber change hands and change in its composition, but she has remained an unwavering force. Over the years, Nancy has kept our hearings and markups in order, consistently ensuring proper procedure, and keeping the Committee on track. Her famed weekly meetings served as an opportunity for her team to coordinate activities across the Committee but was also at the heart of our work--she kept the trains running on time, helped ease staff transitions, and organized procedurally complex Committee business. In addition to her work as Chief Clerk, Nancy has provided invaluable mentorship to many talented teams of Subcommittee Clerks and Policy Aides, whose own successes serve as a testament to her guidance and leadership. Finally, I want to thank Chris Kaumo for his twenty years of service. I have known Chris since before I was a Member of Congress as he was one of the first staffers on my first campaign. Chris was an essential force in my early work in this Chamber, helping to organize and staff our offices, while ensuring quality service for the people of southern Arizona. From running phone banks to now serving as a Deputy Staff Director and Senior Advisor to the Committee, his work and friendship have meant the world to me. When I first assumed my role as Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee, I asked for Chris's help in a new capacity, and brought him on to serve as Staff Director on the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. In that role, Chris has been an essential advocate for elevating Indigenous voices and protecting the rights of Indigenous communities. He is a Committee leader and a trusted advisor, and I am deeply indebted to his long service to our district, state, and the Nation. Madam Speaker, though David, Nancy, and Chris will be deeply missed on the Natural Resources team, I have no doubt they will find fulfilling and exciting opportunities in their next steps. I want to thank them all for their dedication, service, and friendship over the years.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7496) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to install a plaque at the peak of Ram Head in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, United States Virgin Islands, to commemorate the slave rebellion that began on St. John in 1733.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2551) to designate and adjust certain lands in the State of Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and for other purposes.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2551, introduced by our colleague, Representative John Curtis. This bill will adjust management boundaries to allow the advancement of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, while also designating nearby U.S. Forest Service land for permanent protection. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a regional multiuse concept trail that will stretch 280 miles from the Idaho border to Nephi, Utah. Currently, more than 90 miles of the trail have been built. Certain areas of the trail are currently impeded, preventing hikers and cyclists from enjoying the full scope of recreational opportunities it is meant to offer. While advancement of the trail will expand access to recreation in two of Utah's most populated counties and ensure that local residents and visitors can take advantage of the trail for years to come, which, of course, is a good thing, it is my understanding that this particular proposal has also been part of a broader discussion known as the Mountain Accord that is designed to deal with a number of regional transportation and land-use planning issues. I encourage the local stakeholders to keep working on that plan to solve ongoing issues and advance even more meaningful conservation protections for the Wasatch Mountains. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6427) to amend the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Act to modify the boundary of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6611) to authorize the Embassy of France in Washington, DC, to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet to restoring peace between European nations and establishing the European Union, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6611, introduced by my colleague, Representative Keating. This bill authorizes the French Embassy to establish a commemorative bench in Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park to honor the historic contributions of Jean Monnet. Jean Monnet was a French diplomat and entrepreneur known as a founding father of the European Union. Monnet served as a key diplomat during World War II, coming to Washington on France's behalf to meet with President Roosevelt to negotiate a massive aircraft purchase at the start of the war. Later in the war, after Nazi Germany invaded France, Monnet negotiated with American authorities to deliver much-needed supplies to the British front lines. Monnet's efforts helped save millions of lives and led the way in uniting Europe in the postwar era. Monnet himself said that walks through Rock Creek Park helped him think and develop plans to achieve peace and unity in Europe. I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than this legislation. I thank my colleague, Representative Keating, for introducing this important bill and championing the legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 314) to repeal the Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Act.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 314, the Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Repeal Act, introduced by Senator Merkley of Oregon. Our colleague, Representative Schrader of Oregon, has the House companion to this legislation. This bill will provide long-awaited relief to the Klamath Tribes by restoring the Tribe's self-governance over the management of its own judgment funds. Like many tribes, the Klamath Tribes were terminated by Congress in the 1950s--in their case, through passage of the Klamath Termination Act. In addition to termination, the legislation established procedures for the sale of reservation land belonging to Tribal members. At the time, the Tribe was required to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a final roll call of Tribal members. The final roll call was eventually used to settle the Tribe's ongoing Indian Claims Commission suits under the Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Act. Fortunately, in 1986, the Klamath Tribes' Federal trust relationship with the United States was restored. However, the judgment fund did not account for this restoration and limited the ability of the Tribe to settle any outlying claims. Today, the Klamath Tribes have no ability to determine how Tribal funds can be allocated to Tribal members or other Tribal priorities. This goes against Tribal sovereignty and is a violation of the authorities upheld by Federal recognition. S. 314 will right this wrong by repealing the outdated Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Act and restoring the Tribe's ability to exercise its sovereign authority over its own Tribal judgment funds. I thank Senator Merkley and Representative Schrader for introducing this important piece of legislation and supporting the Tribe in its lengthy quest for a remedy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), the chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 789) to repeal certain obsolete laws relating to Indians.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 789, the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act, introduced by Senator Rounds of South Dakota. Here in the House, the bill is led by my friend and colleague, Representative O'Halleran. This bill would repeal 11 antiquated Federal laws that pertain to American Indians and Alaska Natives. As this body is well aware, Federal Indian law has existed since the foundation of the United States, and it governs the relationship between the Federal Government, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. The policies and principles of Federal Indian law have undergone many transformations throughout American history, as it was once the policy of the Federal Government to commit violence and forced displacement against Tribal communities. Although the Federal Indian laws of today are better at upholding the principles of Tribal self-determination and sovereignty, many laws that reflect the prior Federal policy during the eras of genocide, removal, assimilation, or termination still remain as law. S. 789 will address this concern by repealing 11 outdated statutes, many of which pertain to the colonial and Indian boarding school eras. I thank Senator Rounds and Representative O'Halleran for introducing this legislation and ensuring that the Federal law reflects the respect that we hold for Indian Country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez).

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.