[Page H299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   URGING FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THE LITTLE SHELL TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA 
                           INDIANS OF MONTANA

  (Mr. GIANFORTE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge this body to provide 
the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana with the overdue 
Federal recognition they deserve.
  The Little Shell Tribe began petitioning the Federal Government for 
recognition in the 1930s, several generations ago. Mr. Speaker, 80 
years later, the resolute Tribe continues their efforts.
  Last year, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act 
passed this House unanimously. It was the first time that a bill 
providing Federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe passed either 
the House or the Senate.
  Following passage in the House, however, this uncontroversial bill 
hit a roadblock in the Senate. We take up their worthy cause again 
today as I introduce the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on this body to consider and pass this bill 
again. This Congress should provide the Little Shell Tribe with the 
Federal recognition it deserves, particularly after eight decades of 
dedicated efforts.

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