Cole Opening 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 extremely important to me and continue to shape my work as a Member of Congress and the Chair of this important Committee. 

I have been – and will remain – committed to ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Native Americans. 

You have champions of Indian Country in the chair and ranking member of this subcommittee who care deeply about the issues you all are here to discuss. They have proven that tribal issues are not Republican or Democrat – they are truly bipartisan. I will continue to work closely with them to ensure we provide the services, resources and advancements needed throughout Indian Country. 

I would like to thank all of you for taking the time and traveling all the way to be here today. Your voices directly shape this subcommittee’s legislation each fiscal year. I want you all to know every year we hold these tribal witness days, these members and staff hear you and listen to you.

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.