Cole Remarks at American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Day 1, Morning Session

Thank you, Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Pingree. 

Good morning, everyone. Thank you all for being here this week and for taking the time to testify on the important issues affecting your communities.

As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Tribal issues have always been at the forefront of the policy decisions I make as a Member of Congress and as a Member of this important Committee.  

I have been – and remain – committed to ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Native Americans to provide basic services and resources throughout Indian Country. 

I have been in contact with the agencies and the White House to ensure our responsibilities to the Tribes are fully understood across all facets of the federal government. 

I would like to thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Pingree for holding these hearings. This is an important opportunity for Tribal members to speak, face to face, with their representatives. 

I look forward to hearing testimony from each of you and working with my colleagues to advance our commitment to Tribal communities across the country and reflecting that duty in the appropriations process. 

Thank you, again, Chairman Simpson. I yield back.