Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer this bipartisan amendment with Congressman Rehberg of Montana, my colleague and a fellow member of the House Second Amendment Task Force.

I am proud to report that two important groups have endorsed this amendment, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Our amendment would prohibit the ATF from using any funds in this act to collect information from federally licensed firearms retailers about multiple rifle sales.

Last December, ATF published an emergency request in the Federal Register. It asked the Office of Management and Budget for the power to collect information from firearms retailers on all sales of two or more semi-automatic rifles within five consecutive business days. This would include many of today's most popular rifles used by millions of Americans for self-defense, hunting, and other lawful purposes.

ATF officials have said this information collection would apply only to licensed firearms retailers in certain States--Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. However, ATF's request published in the Federal Register does not mention a geographic limitation. This means we have to take the ATF at its word. I have heard numerous concerns about this ATF request from fellow Oklahomans, including sportsmen, gun owners, and responsible firearms retailers alike.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose granting ATF this information- collecting authority for three reasons: first, it would subject responsible firearms sellers who are often small business owners to burdensome reporting requirements. Second, ATF would catalog records on Americans who purchase rifles, thereby compromising their privacy. And, finally, ATF lacks legal authority to collect this information. The Gun Control Act of 1968 requires Federal firearms dealers to report multiple sales of handguns.

What I'd like to do at this time is yield to my colleague and friend from Montana (Mr. Rehberg) for any comments he might have.

Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, this amendment is very simple. It prevents the ATF from imposing burdensome reporting requirements on responsible firearms retailers; it protects the privacy and Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens; and it ensures that the ATF will not circumvent the will of Congress.

Again, I remind my colleagues that this amendment carries the full support of the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

I urge adoption.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Offered By: Mr. Boren

Amendment No. 566: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Chairman, I thank you for all the hard work you and the entire staff have done on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2010. This bill is an excellent product and addresses many critical areas, including those that have previously received little attention. One of the most important provisions in the bill is the commitment to developing foreign language capability, specifically in African languages that have historically been underrepresented in the intelligence community.

The bill creates a pilot program under the National Security Education Program, or the NSEP. It expands the David L. Boren Scholars by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to identify five high-priority African languages for which language education programs do not currently exist. The NSEP would then develop intensive training programs for implementation in both the United States and in countries where the languages are spoken.

Let's not forget that 10 years ago, we didn't anticipate conflicts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and the need for Dari, Pashto, and Urdu speakers. When the need arose, we didn't have the capabilities to meet immediate demands, and to this day, we are still playing catchup. Similarly, we cannot predict from where the next crisis will emerge. But by recognizing the current instability in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and Congo, we can anticipate crises that may impact U.S. national security interests in the near future. We should be training the linguists and translators in the relevant languages now so that, once again, we are not reactive in our efforts but proactive in our actions. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1052) honoring the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Oklahoma for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I, along with the entire Oklahoma congressional delegation, rise today to recognize the members of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard for their service and sacrifice since September 11, 2001. Military service is a time-honored tradition in Oklahoma, and the members of the Oklahoma National Guard are a living testament to this heritage.

Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, thousands of members of the Oklahoma National Guard bravely answered the call of duty. They have confronted our enemies on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, defended the American homeland security against domestic threats and responded bravely to natural disasters and domestic emergencies.

Madam Speaker, Members of the Oklahoma National Guard are an invaluable asset to the United States military during wartime. Some of their more notable missions since 9/11 include providing air transport for soldiers and vital equipment to and from Iraq and Afghanistan, assisting with relief operations in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and deploying specialized units of agricultural specialists to Afghanistan to assist local Afghans with agricultural development.

Madam Speaker, as we discuss this resolution, 3,500 members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in the spring of 2011 as part of the President's surge strategy. This represents the single largest deployment of the Oklahoma National Guard since the Korean War.

Madam Speaker, these Oklahoma soldiers and airmen are extraordinary Americans. As members of the Oklahoma National Guard, they bravely risk their lives to protect the freedom and liberty that we so cherish. In their daily lives, these heroes are found throughout the Sooner State working among their fellow Oklahomans as police officers, firefighters, school teachers, and farmers.

That is why I, along with the entire Oklahoma delegation, am humbled to bring this resolution to the floor of the House today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard and their family members for their service and sacrifice since September 11, 2001.

I also wish members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team well as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan early next year. May they stay safe during this vitally important mission, and we pray for their safe and speedy return home.

I urge adoption of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1554) to take certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1554 would take certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for the benefit of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

The Creek Nation has over 69,000 enrolled citizens at its headquarters in my district in beautiful eastern Oklahoma. As part of their effort to provide economic development in this very rural area of Oklahoma, the Nation purchased the Fountainhead Lodge and 48 surrounding acres from the State of Oklahoma.

Fountainhead was once touted as the State's premier resort lodge, but the property had fallen into disrepair. The Creek Nation hopes to turn the property into a destination resort at Lake Eufaula, bringing much- needed tourism dollars to this distressed area, one of the poorest in the Nation.

The property included a hotel, recreational building and duplex cabins, as well as 18 acres of Army Corps of Engineers land that came with the property as a lease. A subsequent survey determined that the recreational building was located entirely on the Corps' land. The Corps suggested that they transfer the ownership of the leased land to the Creek Nation to assist in the development of the property.

On April 21, 2010, the Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on this legislation. The administration testified in support of the bill, but expressed concerns with the manner in which it was drafted. At the full committee markup, I offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute to address their concerns. The bill as amended was favorably reported by voice vote.

Additional changes have been made to H.R. 1554. The bill now prohibits gaming on the lands that are subsequent to this legislation. Further, a provision was added to ensure that if there are hazardous materials on the lands, the Federal Government remains responsible for cleaning them up. Finally, language was added to account for any budgetary impacts this legislation may have.

Enactment of H.R. 1554 would allow the Creek Nation to move forward with their plans to build a full-scale lake resort. This project will bring hundreds of much-needed jobs and economic prosperity to the region. Resolutions of support for this project have been passed by members of the legislature from the Lake Eufaula area, Checotah Chamber of Commerce, City of Henryetta, City of Eufaula, and the Lake Eufaula Association.

I ask my colleagues to support passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record an exchange of letters between the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure concerning H.R. 1554.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, June 28, 2010.

Hon. James Oberstar,

Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your willingness to

expedite floor consideration of H.R. 1554, a bill to take

certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for

the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

I appreciate your willingness to waive rights to further

consideration of H.R. 1554, notwithstanding the

jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Transportation

and Infrastructure. Of course, this waiver does not prejudice

any further jurisdictional claims by your Committee over this

legislation or similar language. Furthermore, I agree to

support your request for appointment of conferees from the

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure if a

conference is held on this matter.

This exchange of letters will be placed in the committee

report and inserted in the Congressional Record as part of

the consideration of the bill on the House floor. Thank you

for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding

this matter and others between our respective committees.

With warm regards, I am

Sincerely,

Nick J. Rahall II,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to particularly thank the chairman for allowing us to have the hearing and for the markup, but I really want to say a special thank you to the ranking member and his staff for working with us on these technical changes and making sure that everything was ironed out.

I want to thank the Creek Nation for all the hard work it has put into this legislation. I want to thank the Chief, the Council, and all the community leaders that have made this possible. I ask for a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I am here to congratulate Dr. James ``Jeff'' Kimpel, on his retirement after 13 years of federal service as director of NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory, NSSL, in Norman, Oklahoma. He has been active in advancing the Geosciences and Meteorology Program in the state of Oklahoma and throughout the nation.

His career spans not only the academic community, but government service as well. After graduating and earning graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Kimpel joined the meteorological faculty at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned the rank of full professor and held several administrative positions which include dean of the College of Geosciences and provost and senior vice president of the Norman, Oklahoma campus and having the title of senior vice president of the Norman campus. He chaired both the National Science Foundation's Advisory Committee for Atmospheric Sciences and the Board of Trustees of the University Corporation for the Atmospheric Sciences.

Some of the prestigous positions that have been held by Dr. Kimpel include Assistant Professor for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Norman campus where he was granted tenure. He later became the Associate Professor for the School of Meteorology followed by having the title of Emeritus Professor of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, Norman campus. Before coming to the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Kimpel held positions as research assistant at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and as a lecturer.

The NSSL is responsible for creating Doppler weather radar technology that has opened many doors and eventually led to the creation of the national NEXRAD, NExt generation weather RADar, network which consisted of more than 160 radar systems. This has greatly reduced the number of fatalities that have been caused by tornados. During Dr. Kimpel's time there, NSSL conducted scientific and technological research that upgraded NEXRAD's systems.

Dr. Kimpel worked vigorously to launch the Multifunction Phased Array Radar initiative as a possible replacement in the future for NEXRAD. He has worked with the NWS Storm Prediction Center and the Norman Weather Forecast Office to create a Hazardous Weather Testbed to speed up the transition of new science into operational warning and forecasting decision processes. He has also expanded the NSSL's radar-based flash flood forecasting and water management programs into areas near the coast where inundation from land falling tropical storms, hurricanes and other inclement weather is possible.

Dr. James Kimpel has had a major impact throughout the state of Oklahoma, and I am proud to be from a state where he has contributed so much to protecting the lives of so many Americans through his work at the NSSL. I thank him and all Oklahomans and Americans.

Madam Speaker, in the last few weeks, the right of Israel to defend itself against threats to ensure its security has come under attack.

Last month, Israel Defense Forces intercepted a flotilla of vessels in the Mediterranean Sea manned by protestors whose aim was to provoke a response from Israel and prompt international disapproval of Israel's blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

During this so-called ``flotilla incident,'' Israeli forces boarded the ships to search for weapons. They were attacked and subsequently used force to protect themselves. The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, which organized the flotilla, has known ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.

Madam Speaker, in the aftermath of this event, Israel has been unfairly and wrongly condemned for its actions. As criticism of Israel over this incident escalates, and investigations into the matter proceed, we must not forget who really is under attack--Israel.

Israel is persistently targeted for violence by Hamas and other military groups in the region. Hamas, which is officially designated by the United States as a terrorist group, is fervently avowed to the destruction of Israel.

Israel inspects cargo bound for Gaza to stem the flow of arms and explosives to Hamas and other militant organizations there who want to attack it. There is a good reason for this policy: Since Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza, Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel.

The foremost responsibility of government is to protect the safety of its citizens. Many nations--including the United States--reserve the right to confront threats to their security, sometimes preemptively to eliminate imminent danger.

Blocking the movement of weapons by sea into Gaza prevents Hamas and other militant groups from having the means to use violence against Israel to achieve their desired aims, chief among them the annihilation of Israel.

Madam Speaker, it is imperative that members of this chamber give due attention to the circumstantial evidence and historical facts surrounding the flotilla incident.

The relationship between the United States and Israel rests firmly upon the foundation of more than half a century of history. It is grounded in mutual respect, supported by shared values, and guided by common interests.

For these reasons, we must remain resolutely committed to uphold Israel's right to self-defense.

I urge my fellow colleagues also to voice their support for Israel on this important issue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of the Vinita Post 40 unit of the American Legion Auxiliary in Oklahoma.

This year marks the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the National American Legion Auxiliary. Although not the first such organization of its kind, the National American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world. Its nearly one million members are dedicated to promoting allegiance to God and Country, supporting veterans and youth through various community programs since 1919-1920.

The Vinita Post 40 unit was chartered on March 4, 1929 and has proudly served its Oklahoma community, sponsoring events that include the widely renowned Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo since its inception in 1935. I would like to congratulate the Vinita Post 40 unit and the American Legion Auxiliary for their outstanding patriotism and commitment to community, and today, I celebrate their achievement.

Madam Speaker, my congressional district in eastern Oklahoma is home to some great American heroes. Names like Woody Guthrie, T. Boone Pickens, Will Rogers and even the late great Speaker of the House Carl Albert. But no eastern Oklahoman has a bigger claim to fame than Hall of Fame baseball player Mickey Mantle.

Madam Speaker, Mickey Mantle was born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma, the son of Elvin and Lovell Mantle--``The Mick'' was named in honor of Mickey Cochrane, the Hall of Fame catcher from the Philadelphia Athletics. Later in life the Mantle family would move to the nearby town of Commerce, Oklahoma where Mickey would attend Commerce High School and go on to become an all-state athlete in basketball, football and of course baseball.

Promptly after his high school graduation, Mickey Mantle would sign a contract to play professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization. Mantle rose through the minors quickly and made his major league debut on Yankees' field in the spring of 1951. Five years later, in 1956, Mickey Mantle would win the Triple Crown, leading the majors in home runs, RBIs and batting average. In the spring of 1957, he was considered by many to be the greatest baseball player on the planet.

Mantle went on to become one of the most recognizable names in baseball history and in 1961 was the highest paid active player in the Major Leagues. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, and forty-one years ago this month (June) had his number ``7'' forever retired in Yankee lore.

In honor of their hometown hero, on the 12th of June, 2010, the citizens of eastern Oklahoma are set to commemorate one of

their own, Mickey Mantle, with the dedication of a statue of the legendary player at Mickey Mantle field at Commerce High School in Commerce, Oklahoma.

Madam Speaker, Mickey Mantle's hopes, dreams, and accomplishments remind each and every one of my constituents why it's great to be an ``Okie.''

Mr. Speaker, I was absent when rollcall votes occurred for H.R. 4213--The American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act. I was not present because I was attending a funeral for a family member.

If I would have been present for the rollcall votes listed below for H.R. 4213, I would have voted in the following manner:

1. Roll No. 324, On concurring in Senate amendment with amendment (except portion comprising section 523) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays; 215-204. I would have voted ``nay.''

2. Roll No. 325, On concurring in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising section 523 Agreed to by recorded vote: 245-171. I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I was absent on Friday, May 8, when call votes occurred for H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. I was not present because I was attending a funeral for a family member.

If I would have been present for the rollcall votes listed below for H.R. 5116, I would have voted in the following manner:

1. Roll No. 326, on agreeing to the first portion of the divided question, proposing to strike section 228: I would have voted ``nay.''

2. Roll No. 327, on agreeing to the second portion of the divided question, proposing to strike sections 406(b) and (c): I would have voted ``nay.''

3. Roll No. 328, on agreeing to the sixth portion of the divided question, proposing to amend section 702: I would have voted ``nay.''

4. Roll No. 329, on agreeing to the seventh portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 704: I would have voted ``aye.''

5. Roll No. 330, on agreeing to the eighth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 705: I would have voted ``aye.''

6. Roll No. 331, on agreeing to the ninth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 706: I would have voted ``nay.''

7. Roll No. 332, on final passage of H.R. 5116: I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I was absent on Thursday, May 27, and Friday, May 28, when call votes occurred for H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. I was not present on these days because I was attending a funeral for a family member.

If I would have been present for the rollcall votes listed below for H.R. 5136, I would have voted in the following manner:

1. Roll No. 310, amendment No. 1, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

2. Roll No. 311, amendment No. 3, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

3. Roll No. 312, amendment No. 13, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

4. Roll No. 313, amendment No. 82, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

5. Roll No. 314, amendment No. 21, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

6. Roll No. 315, amendment No. 42, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``nay.''

7. Roll No. 316, amendment No. 80, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

8. Roll No. 317, amendment No. 79, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``nay.''

9. Roll No. 318, amendment No. 47, printed in House Report 111-498: I would have voted ``aye.''

10. Roll No. 333, en bloc amendment No. 9: I would have voted ``aye.''

11. Roll No. 334, on a motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair: I would have voted ``nay.''

12. Roll No. 335, on the motion to recommit H.R. 5136: I would have voted ``aye.''

13. Roll No. 336, final passage of H.R. 5136: I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, for any politician interested in a word of wisdom on how to conduct themselves; Dr. James ``Jim'' H. Boren-- father, husband, author, teacher, and philanthropist--had this advice to those in public service; ``mumble when uncertain, delegate when in distress, and ponder when in command.''

Madam Speaker, the state of Oklahoma lost a true public servant recently--Jim Boren, who drew attention to his political causes with excitement, determination and color, died April 24th, 2010 at the age of 84.

Jim Boren joined the Navy during WWII at the age of 17. As a midshipman on the Destroyer Escort, William C. Cole, Jim served his nation with distinction and honor; including time in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa.

After the war, Jim received his degree from the University of Texas and began his first stint as a teacher at Oxnard Union H.S. in Oxnard, California. During that time, Jim earned a Master's degree at Cal State at Long Beach and a Master's at the University of Southern California. Eventually, Jim would return to the University of Texas to earn his PhD.

Later in life, Jim Boren would become the campaign manager, and eventually the chief of staff, for Senator Ralph Yarborough of Texas. During his time with Senator Yarborough, Jim worked side-by-side with him on legislation such as the National Defense Education Act, Cold War GI Bill, Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Padre Island National Seashore, and the Mental Health Bill.

After working in the U.S. Senate, Jim Boren received a State Department appointment in 1960 to serve in an official capacity in South America under the Kennedy Administration, eventually obtaining the position of Deputy Director of the Economic Mission in Peru. After leaving government work, Jim began to teach again and write from his position as scholar-in-residence at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK.

Jim possessed his own original brand of political satire, authoring literature in that genre, not the least of which is exemplified by a pair of books entitled ``When in Doubt, Mumble: A Bureaucrat's Handbook'' and, ``How to be a Sincere Phony: A Handbook for Politicians and Bureaucrats.''

Through his unique style and substance, Jim Boren had a tremendous impact on his peers and most importantly on his community. And as a member of the United States House of Representatives, I would like to honor Dr. James ``Jim'' Boren for his consummate wit, humor and unyielding dedication to the American political landscape.

Additionally, I also want to take a moment to send my deep condolences to Jim's friends and family, especially his wife Norma Williams; two sons, Richard and Stan Boren; two stepsons, James and John Williams; brother, Gene Boren; sister, Marilyn Boren; and three grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, we had a big event at the Prince George's County Trap & Skeet Club. We had the annual Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Shootout. I have some awards to announce. First of all, team captains were myself, and Paul Ryan on the Republican side. The winner of the sporting clays competition was Congressman Paul Ryan; the top trap gun, Dan Boren; top skeet, Chris Carney. The top Democratic shooter was Congressman Mike Thompson. The top Republican was Congressman John Kline. The top gun was Duncan Hunter.

Let me say this, Madam Speaker. Duncan Hunter's father tried to be the top gun for many years and never was able to accomplish it. So it was very nice that his son was able to win that award. But the most important award--for the second year in a row, the Democrats won 225- 209.

I would invite all Republican Members to my office, 216 Cannon, to visit the trophy at any time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1237) honoring the life of Wilma Pearl Mankiller and expressing condolences of the House of Representatives on her passing.

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 resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great woman, a lady who has been an inspiration to women and also throughout Indian country, Chief Wilma Pearl Mankiller.

On the morning of April 6, 2010, Chief Wilma Mankiller, the first female leader of the Cherokee Nation, steward of Native American cultural traditions, and an advocate for advancing the role of women in tribal affairs, passed away at her home in rural Adair County, Oklahoma.

Chief Mankiller was a passionate activist for the continued enhancement of native peoples and one of the country's most visible American Indian luminaries. From her birth on November 18, 1945, at the small Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to her service as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma celebrated and nurtured her intense tribal heritage which was deeply rooted in a connection to the rural community of Mankiller Flats, Adair County, where she spent a large part of her life.

As an accomplished social activist for Indian prosperity, she devoted all her energies to the well-being of Native Americans and to expanding roles for women through her participation in organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Seventh Generation Fund, and the Freedom Forum. She also reinstated dialogue between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government, which ultimately helped establish the Office of Indian Justice.

Wilma received numerous accolades for her tireless efforts at improving the general welfare of both Indian country and our Nation, not the least of which was the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her by President Bill Clinton.

Despite all of her great personal accomplishments, Chief Mankiller desired only ``to be remembered as the person who helped us restore faith in ourselves.''

To fulfill that wish and to honor her, I have introduced this resolution in gratitude to Chief Wilma Mankiller for her significant contributions and service to the Nation. She remains an inspiration to women in Indian Country and across America, and she leaves behind a profound legacy which will continue to encourage and to motivate all who carry on her work.

Finally, I would like to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives to her friends and her family, especially to her husband, Charlie Soap, and to the entire Cherokee Nation for the loss of this wonderful lady.

I reserve the balance of my time.

At this time, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. Speaker, just a few closing comments. I have a quote from the President of the United States, Barack Obama:

``I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wilma Mankiller today. As the Cherokee Nation's first female chief, she transformed the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government, and served as an inspiration to women in Indian Country and across America. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she was recognized for her vision and commitment to a brighter future for all Americans. Her legacy will continue to encourage and motivate all who carry on her work.

``Michelle and I offer our condolences to Wilma's family, especially her husband, Charlie, and two daughters Gina and Felicia, as well as the Cherokee Nation, and all those who knew her and were touched by her good works.''

I would just like to say I knew Wilma as a young boy. I got to meet Wilma through many festivals and pow-wows with my father when he served in the U.S. Senate. She was always so kind, and she was always lending advice to me. Then after I was elected to Congress--and Congressman Cole was very correct--the term I would say is ``blunt''--she was very blunt in her political advice. She would call me whenever something would happen within the Cherokee Nation or here in Congress and would give me some advice, very direct advice, and she was always right in her advice. We are going to miss her deeply.

So, in closing, I would ask my colleagues to support this resolution to honor this great woman.

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