On April 10, I was ratified by the House Republican Conference as the new chairman of the House Appropriations Committee – but not only did I just become the new chairman, I also became the first Native American to ever chair this Committee.
On April 10th, I was ratified by the House Republican Conference as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee - but not only did I just become the new Chairman, I also became the first Native American to ever Chair this Committee. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, my tribal heritage is something I am very proud of, and I was very fortunate to witness this culture firsthand while growing up. My great, great grandfather served as the clerk for the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court, my great grandfather was the Treasurer of Chickasaw Nation, my great aunt, Te Ata Fisher, was a famous actress and storyteller who performed Native American stories all over the world, and my late mother and inspiration, Helen Cole, was the first Native American woman elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.
Legislation that would enable Congress to formally investigate the government’s role in Indian Boarding Schools—including vesting them with the power to subpoena church records—is once again in front of lawmakers. On Feb. 5, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus—Representatives Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk, D-KS) and Tom Cole (Chickasaw Nation, R-OK)—reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024. This is the fourth year an iteration of this bill has been brought before lawmakers: A similar bill was first introduced in 2020 by then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), now the Secretary of the Interior.
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Each year during the month of November, I am proud that our nation takes this time to reflect on the unique heritage, rich history and special contributions of Native Americans.