Honorable Bill Anoatubby Governor of the Chicksaw Nation

Floor Speech

HONORABLE BILL ANOATUBBY GOVERNOR OF THE CHICKASAW NATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 22, 2007)

SPEECH OF HON. TOM COLE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2007

* Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege today to rise in recognition of a good friend of mine, the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Governor Bill Anoatubby. On October 26, 2007, East Central University will induct Governor Anoatubby into its Hall of Governors; he is only the fourth individual to receive such a prestigious recognition. He joins former U.S. Senator and former Governor Robert S. Kerr; former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, former U.S. Senator, and former Governor Ernest McFarland; and former Governor George Nigh. Reflecting upon the caliber of these individuals who have contributed so much to the State of Oklahoma, I know Governor Anoatubby truly appreciates the honor he is being given and that he so richly deserves.

* Madam Speaker, graduating from East Central University in 1972 was merely the beginning, because from that day forward Governor Anoatubby has worked tirelessly to make Oklahoma a better State and the Chickasaws of Oklahoma a more prosperous people. His passion to this end is reflected in the litany of civic and community activities, affiliations, leadership roles, awards and honors contained in his biography.

* But Madam Speaker, the Governor's impressive resume aside, I am honored today to recognize this award on the floor of the United States House of Representatives because I am a member of the Chickasaw Nation and I have witnessed the Governor achieve amazing things for our tribe, for the State of Oklahoma, and for tribes across the country. The Governor has presided over the Renaissance of the Chickasaw Nation by focusing on increasing economic development, expanding health coverage, improving education, and preserving and reviving the tribe's cultural and historical heritage so important for our future vitality and self-identity.

* But Governor Anoatubby's accomplishments do not stop there, Madam Speaker. He not only fulfills his duties as the leader of the Chickasaw Nation, but has become one of the most respected Native American leaders in the country. He understands the unique status of tribes, and as such, he recognizes the unique opportunities available not only at a state level, but nationally and internationally for tribal development and prosperity. He has an unequaled willingness to reach out and make partnerships between tribes and businesses, institutions, organizations, and other governments.

* Madam Speaker, Governor Anoatubby profoundly understands that neither the Chickasaw Nation nor the State of Oklahoma can thrive independently of one another. He has demonstrated time and time again that working together, the two can bring remarkable benefits to all Oklahomans, native and non-native alike. Simply put, Madam Speaker, Governor Anoatubby has changed the way people live in the State of Oklahoma for the better, and I congratulate him on being inducted into East Central University's Hall of Governors.

* Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, agreed to by the Senate on February 4, 1977, calls for establishment of a system for a computerized schedule of all meetings and hearings of Senate committees, subcommittees, joint committees, and committees of conference. This title requires all such committees to notify the Office of the Senate Daily Digest--designated by the Rules committee--of the time, place, and purpose of the meetings, when scheduled, and any cancellations or changes in the meetings as they occur.

* As an additional procedure along with the computerization of this information, the Office of the Senate Daily Digest will prepare this information for printing in the Extensions of Remarks section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD on Monday and Wednesday of each week.

* Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, 2007 may be found in the Daily Digest of today's RECORD.

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