Dan Boren

Madam Speaker, the purpose of this statement is to clarify the scope of the resolution before us. It states that it encompasses Quapaw tribal and individual claims ``other than the legal claims that are pending in the Court of Federal Claims on the date of enactment of this resolution.''

A question arises. If one or more of those currently pending legal claims are dismissed by the Court for lack of jurisdiction, would the dismissed claim be considered ``pending'' for purposes of this resolution?

In my view, the answer is no. Our intention with the reference resolution is to request from the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims a report containing findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the nature, extent, and character of the Indian-trust related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and its tribal members for compensation. As the language of the resolution suggests, these claims may be legal or equitable in nature, and exclude only the claims that are already within the jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims (including the statute of limitations) and are already pending in the Court of Federal Claims on the date of enactment. If a claim is dismissed as being outside the statute of limitations or for jurisdictional reasons, in my view, it was not pending on the date of enactment.

The intent behind the resolution is to have the Court review and render a final and complete resolution of all such claims--that resolution to occur either in the pending cases under the jurisdiction already granted the Court of Federal Claims by the Indian Tucker Act or else under the terms of H. Res. 668.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. Chartered by Congress in 1932, the Federal Home Loan Bank system consists of 12 regional banks acting as a reliable source of critical funding for community financial institutions to finance housing and economic development.

The Federal Home Loan Banks provide safe, affordable liquidity to nearly 8,000 banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions in every state. As such, they are an essential partner for community and economic development across the country.

The Federal Home Loan Banks operate under a cooperative model with ownership resting in its regional members and a management team focused on safety and soundness. This has protected taxpayers over the FHLBanks' entire 80-year history. During the recent economic downturn, the FHLBanks received no taxpayer support, and they were a vital player in supporting a broader U.S. housing market recovery.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the Affordable Housing Program administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks and funded by contributions of 10 percent of the earnings from each of the FHLBanks. This important program represents the largest single source of private sector grants for housing and community development in the country. The Federal Home Loan Banks have distributed approximately $4.6 billion in private grants through their Affordable Housing Program since its inception in 1990. These grants have helped provide 1.5 million housing units to deserving families in every corner of the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a man of determination, service, and integrity--State Representative Paul Roan of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.

Roan, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has served his district and state with distinction during the years of 2000 to 2012.

Paul's legislative work has been devoted to helping Oklahoma's brave veterans and emergency responders, protecting the state's natural resources and improving education for young people.

His personal career has been built on a foundation of public service. Roan proudly served our country as a member of the United States Air Force, he then spent time as an educator, a police officer and was elected Deputy Sheriff of Pontotoc County, followed by over 20 years of service as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol State Trooper.

Representative Roan has been a civic leader in the Oklahoma community for several years, serving as 1st Vice-President of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, President of Tishomingo Lions Club, Master of Tishomingo Masonic Lodge #91, and a member of Johnston County Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 164.

It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to acknowledge not only his successes in the Oklahoma legislature, but also as a devoted father and family man.

Paul Roan is the husband of Betty Roan and father of Chris, Brad, and Angela Roan. The 20th House District of Oklahoma is a better place because of the service of Paul Roan.