Resolving the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Crank, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2916, my bill to ratify the land claim settlement agreement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, New York State, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority.

For more than 40 years, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne have worked diligently to resolve the Akwesasne land claim in northern New York in my district. The last decade has seen very focused efforts between the Tribe, local, and county officials, and our congressional office to realize this long-sought agreement dating back to the 1796 Treaty with the Seven Nations of Canada.

This historic settlement provides long-term certainty and remedies in terms of lands, land acquisition, payment of past property taxes, and will greatly benefit our North Country community.

For the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, today's action represents the resolution of a generations-long fight, and finalizing this settlement allows the Tribe to restore portions of their homeland, strengthen self-governance, and expand economic opportunities for the North Country.

Unfortunately, I was dismayed to watch the agreement sit on the Governor's desk for over 6 months while she refused to review the documents and then pushed last-minute changes, leaving members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, who worked alongside my office on this legislation, in limbo and long awaiting the culmination of over 40 years of their leadership's hard work.

Our office worked swiftly and diligently to pass this out of committee, and I am proud to have gotten this across the finish line in the House. I look forward to getting this legislation passed in the Senate and on to the President's desk for his signing.

Mr. Speaker, this moment is the culmination of the dedicated work by many past and present Mohawk leadership, elders, and community members from Akwesasne, as well as county and local officials, and I am honored to pass this bill in Congress.

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