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

The Committee will come to order.

Good morning and welcome to the first of our public witness hearings dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native programs. 

I would like to welcome all the distinguished Tribal elders and leaders here today.  This year, we had an unprecedented number of requests, requiring us to expand to a third day to accommodate around 100 Tribes and Tribal organizations. 

These hearings are incredibly important, and we appreciate the opportunity to hear from so many Tribes and organizations across Indian Country.  Indian Country has been and will continue to be a bipartisan priority for this subcommittee.

I look forward to continuing to work with Ranking Member Pingree to expand this Committee’s efforts to strengthen our federal commitment to honor our treaty and trust responsibilities with American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

Thank you to all our witnesses for appearing before the Committee and sharing your concerns and personal perspectives on these important topics.