Recognizing Bucks County Americans for Native Americans

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the valuable contributions of Americans for Native Americans (ANA), a dedicated organization primarily supported by benefactors from Central Bucks County, which lies within my district in Pennsylvania.

ANA is dedicated to improving the lives of Native Americans in the Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni Nations in the American Southwest. By providing essential goods and services, ANA addresses critical community needs while serving as a foundation for greater self-reliance and long-term empowerment.

Connie and Bill Eastburn founded this organization by recognizing pressing needs in these Native American communities--warmth, structure, and shelter. When they learned that 17 Navajo men had tragically passed away due to inadequate shelter, Connie and Bill jumped into action. Now, partnered with numerous organizations, they have been committed to helping and improving the lives of Native Americans in the American Southwest.

One facet of ANA's outreach efforts includes programs focused on supporting the wellbeing and education of Native American children. The largest program, Food for Kids, provides schoolchildren with much- needed meals. With the help of ANA's generous donors, the program's funding skyrocketed from $10,000 in 2004 to $178,400 in 2024-2025. Other programs include Clothing for Kids, Eyeglass Program, and the Family and Child Education Program--all of which support and empower these children and their families.

In addition, ANA supports the education of University of New Mexico- Gallup nursing students. By providing scholarships and financial aid to aspiring Native American nurses since 2006, ANA has sponsored 349 Associate Degrees in Nursing through its Advanced Degree Scholarships-- totaling $318,278 of educational aid. By investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals, ANA helps establish pathways toward self-reliance, economic opportunity, and improved health services within these Native American communities.

Furthermore, ANA pilots a program providing free veterinary care for Native Americans and their animals on Navajo and Zuni reservations. In partnership with various Zuni organizations, ANA began construction of a fully self-sustainable veterinary clinic--a vital step toward achieving their goal of equipping these communities with the resources needed for self-sufficiency.

Americans for Native Americans continues to leave an indelible mark on the Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni Nations in the American Southwest. I rise to recognize the incredible accomplishments of this esteemed organization and I commemorate their efforts and dedication. Through the endless passion and dedication of Central Bucks County residents, this organization demonstrates their unwavering commitment to serving these communities.

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