Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

Floor Speech

SPEECH OF
HON. LAURA RICHARDSON
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2011

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my colleagues Congressman DON YOUNG and Congresswoman MAZIE HIRONO.

This amendment removes the current language in H.R. 1 that prohibits the Department of Education from funding the Alaska Native Education Equity Act and the Native Hawaiian Education Program. No additional funds are added to the underlying bill.

Alaska and Hawaiian natives historically have had lower student achievement levels due to high rates of poverty and the lack of resources available to them. Investment in Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian programs have decreased student dropout rates and improved student achievement. These programs provide students a quality education while also recognizing and building upon their unique cultural backgrounds.

As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of all Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. I will continue to advocate on behalf of all of our native populations and work to ensure that they have equal opportunities to succeed.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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