Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2074, as amended, the Indian Buffalo Management Act, and I also thank my good friend and the sponsor of the legislation, the dean of the House, Congressman Don Young, for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Indian Country. Madam Speaker, it may come to a lot of people's surprise but in my home State of Arkansas, in my district, we actually had buffalo herds there at one time. And it lingers in many names around the State: The Buffalo National River, the Buffalo Gap. There is actually a history of buffalo in Arkansas and many other States that no longer have herds. H.R. 2074 would authorize the Department of the Interior to establish a permanent program to develop and promote the capacity of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat. The American buffalo, or bison, has long held importance to the United States and was officially named the national mammal in 2016. Many American Indian and Alaska Natives have also had a longstanding cultural and spiritual relationship with buffalo, which continues to this day. By the end of the 19th century, however, buffalo were near extinction. But as a result of conservation efforts, buffalo have slowly returned, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has estimated that there are now 200,000 buffalo in the United States. In 1991, several Tribes with buffalo herds joined together forming the InterTribal Buffalo Council. The council received a Federal charter to aid Tribes in the restoration of buffalo on Tribal lands in 2009. Today, the InterTribal Buffalo Council is comprised of 68 member Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives with 55 buffalo herds in 19 States with the mission of restoring buffalo to Indian Country. In 2019, the council received approximately $1.4 million from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Unfortunately, this available funding is subject to the fluctuating appropriations and it is not dedicated to buffalo management on Tribal lands. The council estimates that unmet needs are in excess of $12 million per year. H.R. 2074 would dedicate $14 million annually for the Department of the Interior to directly support the ability of Indian Tribes to protect, conserve, and enhance buffalo populations on their lands. The bill would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations to dispose of surplus buffalo on Federal land and transfer those buffalo to Indian lands. The program is intended to help Tribes and Tribal organizations plan, conduct, or implement buffalo restoration programs, plan and execute commercial activities related to buffalo products, and carry out other activities related to buffalo restoration and management. I again thank Congressman Young for his leadership on American Indian and Alaska Native issues, and I urge support for this measure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 108th birthday of Fourth District native and longtime resident, Mrs. Edna Rayborn Regan. Mrs. Regan spent her birthday celebrating the special occasion in the company of her friends and family. Born on November 2, 1913, in Calhoun County, Mrs. Regan attended school at Bearden High School where she graduated in 1932. Later, in 1938, she married John Douglas, with whom she shares two sons, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Throughout the years, Mrs. Regan has maintained high spirits and fierce independence, driving until she was 97 and living in her home until she was 100. Early on, Mrs. Regan developed an interest in history, which led to her taking on the role of historian in her family. She is able to trace her family's lineage back several generations without the aid of computers. Thanks to her tireless efforts, her family was able to travel and visit their early ancestral home, which would have never been possible without her determination. She has since created binders full of stories, pictures, and history to ensure that her family will always cherish from where they came. In Mrs. Regan's spare time, you will rarely find her in her room at her assisted living facility. She enjoys visiting with friends, writing poetry and painting. I take this time today to ask that our Nation join me in wishing Mrs. Edna Rayborn Regan a happy 108th birthday.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the successful career and retirement of Arkansas' native son and ordained Minister, Craig Blair. Throughout his almost 40-year career, Mr. Blair has set himself apart as an example to his community and his peers in the forestry sector. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the son of an Arkansas school principal and a school librarian, Craig pursued a career in forestry, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and a Masters in Forestry Degree in Forest Business from Mississippi State University, where he was also the College of Forest Resources 2018 Alumni Fellow. Over his 39-year career, Craig held a variety of positions in the forestry sector, culminating in his appointment as President and CEO at Resource Management Service (RMS)--a firm that manages timber assets in my district--and in the forest products sector. During his more than 10- year tenure as the firm's leader, Craig oversaw a skilled and experienced team of forestry and investment professionals who built and managed portfolios of forest assets that were collectively valued at more than $4 billion and that included investments in the United States, Australia, Brazil, China, and New Zealand. Craig became Chairman of the RMS Board of Managers on October 1, 2021. Among his many accomplishments as President and CEO of RMS, Craig led the firm's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the forestry profession, developed the first open ended forest investment fund, and championed collaborative approaches to landscape and species conservation, helping to establish Conservation without Conflict. Craig has also been actively engaged in numerous forestry organizations, serving as Chair on the boards of the National Alliance of Forest Owners, the World Forestry Center, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., where he received the 2017 SFI President's Award. The husband of Rita Blair for more than 34 years and father of two sons--Braden and Paul--I take this time today to celebrate Craig Blair. I am proud to call him my forestry colleague and my friend. May we always look at his work ethic and his dedication to his family, the forestry sector, and his church as an example to emulate.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of a fellow Arkansan and Yale forester, Dr. James Guldin, or Jim as his friends call him. Jim taught at Arkansas' only forestry school, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, for 10 years before joining the United States Forest Service research division, where he made great contributions to our knowledge of forest ecology and management through his applied research and publications over a career that spanned nearly three decades. Jim worked tirelessly to restore native southern pine ecosystems, illustrating how science-based thinning and prescribed burning are common sense, and to highlight effective tools for a healthy forest providing cleaner air and water as well as abundant wildlife habitat. I truly believe Dr. Jim Guldin is the world's most knowledgeable person when it comes to shortleaf pine and that his work will live long past the lifespan of a human generation in the forests that benefited from his labor of love. I have been blessed to know some amazing conservationists in my life, and Jim Guldin is one of them. I wish him a happy retirement and many days ahead catching smallmouth bass in clear mountain streams and spending time where all fosterers are most at home: in the woods.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dick Antoine, a wonderful man and beloved local radio personality in my hometown of Hot Springs. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, and in 2018, he retired from his daily talk radio program, ``Talk of the Town,'' where he informed and entertained his faithful listeners for 31 years. Dick is not only known for his insightful interviews and witty commentary but also his leadership. A few of his many projects included the Veterans Memorial of Garland County, fundraising for the Fallen Hero Memorial, and emceeing Hot Springs' annual Christmas parade for over 25 years and the Veterans Day parade for 17 years. Families will cherish the memories of Dick's special characterization of Santa Claus, the World's Tallest Leprechaun, and Oktoberfest ambassador in a chicken costume. Dick's legacy will live on in the memories of Hot Springs residents, and his presence will be sorely missed. My condolences go to Dick's family and many friends as we grieve his passing and celebrate his life. Honoring Jim Guldin

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. The Hot Springs Area Community Foundation is celebrating its 30th year of giving. This foundation was started when 15 local community members wanted to improve their community; now, it is one of twenty- nine affiliates of the Arkansas Community Foundation operating in the top tier of affiliates. Since its inception in 1991, the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation has given out over $17 million in grants to originations in the greater Hot Springs area. In 2021 alone, the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation has awarded just under $250,000 to those in need. These grant dollars have allowed the community to combat many issues, including food insecurity and other health and poverty-related problems. In addition to food and health issues, the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation is addressing the issue of illiteracy in our area. As part of the statewide Grade-Level Reading initiative, the Foundation works with community leaders, parents, and educators to have children reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Madam Speaker, I thank the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, its current and former board members, and those donors who have allowed it to serve the community for the last 30 years.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, 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 Basin and Rocky Mountains meet. It is home to the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, the Golden Spike National Historical Park, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, the Hardware Ranch, numerous Latter- day Saints history sites, the Oregon Trail, and a strong agricultural economy and abundant natural beauty. The Bear River area is a great candidate for study as a potential national heritage area, and this legislation enjoys strong local support. I commend Congressman Moore for his work on this legislation, and I urge adoption of the measure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this to our attention, I urge adoption, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am ready to close, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, the Indian Health Services Urban Indian Health Program consists of 41 nonprofit programs nationwide. These programs are funded through grants and contracts from the Indian Health Service, pursuant to the authorities of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Urban Indian health organizations that participate in the program 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 reauthorized 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 Services that serve American Indians and Alaska Natives, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the 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 vaccine 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 thank the sponsor of this legislation, Chairman Grijalva, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his advocacy on the part of his constituents. I do again urge adoption of this. I am ready to close, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1975, the Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act. This bill would place approximately 721 acres of land located in San Diego, California, into trust for the Pala Band of Mission Indians. As Ms. Leger Fernandez said, gaming pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is prohibited on the lands to be placed into trust by this legislation. In the early 1990s, San Diego, California, voters approved a plan to establish the Gregory Canyon landfill project, but the landfill process fell into bankruptcy and the development company sold a portion of the land to the Tribe for cultural preservation. The Tribe is now 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 I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2758 would 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 would make its members eligible for services, benefits, and immunities available to other federally recognized Indian Tribes. The bill would also establish a service area to deliver Federal programs to Robeson, 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 that they shall enjoy all rights as citizens of the State of North Carolina and the United States. At the same time, the act made them ineligible for services available to recognized Tribes and makes Indian statutes inapplicable to them. This scheme has led to conflicting Department of the Interior solicitor opinions regarding whether the Lumbee Tribe may pursue administrative recognition. H.R. 2758 would resolve those conflicting administrative opinions and recognize the Tribe so that its Members can receive the benefits that other Tribes have. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Dan Bishop from the State of North Carolina for his leadership on the issue. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop) who has done so much work on this issue.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his unwavering support for his constituents and his efforts to work across the aisle. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am ready to close, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Timmons).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1619 would ratify and reaffirm a March 2020 decision by the Department of the Interior to place 17 acres of the 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 they entered with the State failed to provide a clear understanding as to where the Tribe may have lands held in trust, what process is required, or whether the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act applies to the Catawba Nation. By 1993, the Tribe and the State of South Carolina entered into an agreement to settle the lawsuit, and the South Carolina legislature enacted a law ratifying that agreement. That same year, Congress ratified the settlement agreement by passing the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act and extinguished any other potential claims of the Catawba. In exchange, the Catawba received $50 million, the restoration of their status as a Federally-recognized Tribe, and a streamlined process for restoring its land base in South Carolina. But confusion about the Tribe's land continued as it submitted an application with the Department of the Interior to place land in Cleveland County, North Carolina, acquired into trust to develop a casino. Even after the Department of the Interior approved the Catawba's trust application, determining that the Tribe met the restored lands exemption under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, there were still ambiguities that led to a challenge in court. Madam Speaker, I hope that this bill will finally resolve the remaining issues and give the Catawba Tribe certainty about its land and the ways it can use it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 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. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Grijalva and Chairwoman Leger Fernandez for working together on this bill. I rise in support of S. 108. It is a bill that authorizes the Seminole Tribe of Florida to lease or transfer certain land, and for other purposes. As Ms. Leger Fernandez described, this bill would exempt lands held in fee by the Seminole Tribe of Florida from the limitations imposed by the Indian Nonintercourse Act, which restricts a Tribe from leasing or conveying any lands a Tribe owns without Federal approval. The act has generated a great deal of confusion and litigation about whether a Tribe can buy, sell, or lease land that it owns. The bill states that the act does not authorize the Tribe to lease, sell, convey, warrant, or otherwise transfer all or any portion of any interest in any real property that is 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 convey fee land owned by the Tribe, which would impede the Tribe's economic development activities and hinder job creation. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close. I urge adoption of the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2088, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, as amended. I thank Chairman Grijalva and Chairwoman Leger Fernandez for their cooperation on this bill. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a relatively small Tribe located in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The Tribe's reservation covers over 50,000 acres in a region known as the Qualla Boundary. After the completion of the Tellico Dam in Loudon County, Tennessee, in 1979, the Tribe explained to the Tennessee Valley Authority that there were areas of historic significance impacted by the dam. H.R. 2088 would place Tennessee Valley Authority land and permanent easements into trust along the shores of the Little Tennessee River and Tellico Reservoir in Monroe County, Tennessee, for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The parcels to be placed in trust under the bill would primarily be used for memorializing and interpreting the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Gaming pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act would be prohibited, and TVA will be able to continue carrying out river control and development to power the Tennessee Valley region. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I recognize the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann) for his continued work on this important legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann).