Recognizing Native American History Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Native American History Month and the contributions of Native Americans in my congressional district in central Washington.

With 29 Federally recognized tribes across the State, Washingtonians live alongside Native Americans who serve our communities through entrepreneurship, military service, and sharing their rich and storied cultural history. They are our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.

While we recognize that one month out of the year to remember the historical and cultural contributions of our Native friends, we must support them as they face a crisis that has affected Native women for decades. That crisis is of missing and murdered indigenous women.

In Washington, Native Americans make up about 2 percent of the population, but indigenous women account for 7 percent of the State's reported missing women. This includes 31 open cases on or near the Yakama Nation Reservation.

During Native American History Month, I challenge this body to honor the heritage of our Native friends by taking up legislation that will help ensure that missing and murdered loved ones are not part of the history of another generation of Native women.

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