April 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2535 the coming tax year to enact legislation that Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas Wilma presented more than 100 would do away with this tax forever. In the on that I demand the yeas and nays. lectures on the challenges facing Native meantime, I will continue to work with my col- The yeas and nays were ordered. Americans and women in the 21st century The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and she served as the Wayne Morse Professor leagues to enact additional middle class tax at the University of Oregon for the fall se- cuts, like the Recovery Act and the Tax As- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair’s prior announcement, further mester of 2005 where she taught class on trib- sistance Act of 2010. I encourage my col- al government, law, and life; leagues to support the bill. proceedings on this motion will be Whereas Wilma held Honorary Doctorate Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of postponed. Degrees from Yale University, Dartmouth the bill, which will make a few small, but im- f College, Smith College, Mills College, North- portant changes to the administration of our HONORING THE LIFE OF WILMA ern Arizona University, University of Okla- homa, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma tax laws. PEARL MANKILLER There is no question that April 15th is the State University, Tulsa University, Drury Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I move to College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, most feared date on the Calendar. It is viewed suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Rhode Island College, New England Univer- with dread for good reason. lution (H. Res. 1237) honoring the life of sity, and Northeastern State University; The tax code is mind-numbingly confusing. Wilma Pearl Mankiller and expressing Whereas Wilma held many honors, includ- It is a maze of forms and schedules and in- condolences of the House of Represent- ing the Montgomery Fellowship, Dartmouth structions that turns the simplest tax form into College; The Chubb Fellowship, Timothy atives on her passing. a lengthy challenge and that forces millions of Dwight College, Yale University; San Fran- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- cisco State University, Hall of Fame; an Americans to turn to help, whether from an ac- tion. countant, a professional tax preparer, or one Francisco State Alumna of the Year (1988), The text of the resolution is as fol- International Women of Distinction Award, of the many computer software programs de- lows: Alpha Delta Kappa, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, signed for this purpose. H. RES. 1237 Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, National The bill before us does make a few good Whereas Wilma was born November 18, Women’s Hall of Fame, International Wom- changes to the code, including a provision 1945, at Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahle- en’s Forum Hall of Fame, Minority Business long championed by Congressman SAM JOHN- quah, Oklahoma, and had her roots planted Hall of Fame, and she was awarded the Presi- SON, a true American hero, that will end the deep in the rural community of Mankiller dential Medal of Freedom by then President long outdated requirement that employers Flats in Adair County, Oklahoma, where she Bill Clinton for her vision and commitment record and report their employees’ personal spent most of her life; to a brighter future for all Americans; use of company-provided cell phones and Whereas at age 10, her family moved to Whereas Wilma published several works, San Francisco as part of the Bureau of In- including ‘‘Every Day is a Good Day’’, Ful- Blackberries. crum Publishing 2004, ‘‘Mankiller: A Chief Another provision worthy of support will re- dian Affairs Relocation Program where she lived for two decades before returning to and Her People’’, co-authored, St. Martin’s quire the IRS to notify taxpayers they suspect Oklahoma in 1977; Press 1993, ‘‘A Reader’s Companion to the have been victims of identify theft. That cer- Whereas upon returning to Oklahoma, History of Women in the U.S.’’, co-edited, tainly makes sense. Wilma found a job as a community coordi- Houghton-Mifflin 1998, and she contributed And for those taxpayers who do file their re- nator at the Cherokee Nation capital and en- to many other publications, including an turns electronically, this bill will shorten the rolled in graduate courses at the University essay for Native Universe, the inaugural pub- time the IRS has to pay refunds before inter- of Arkansas in Fayetteville; lication of the National Museum of the Whereas in 1983 Wilma ran for the office of American Indian; est accrues. This is a taxpayer friendly provi- Whereas upon the announcement of her di- sion that will encourage electronic filing, which Deputy Chief alongside Ross Swimmer, then Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and agnoses in March of 2010, Wilma offered is both faster and cheaper for the government. the two won the election and took office in words of inspiration: ‘‘I want my family and Finally, let me express my thanks to Con- August, 1983; friends to know that I am mentally and spir- gressman BECERRA for making some changes Whereas on December 5, 1985, Wilma was itually prepared for this journey; a journey to this bill that helped secure my support. sworn in to replace Chief Swimmer as Prin- that all human beings will take at one time As introduced, the bill would have estab- cipal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, making or another. I learned a long time ago that I lished a new authorization of up to $20 million her the first female to hold the office; can’t control the challenges the Creator per year to fund Volunteer Income Tax Assist- Whereas Wilma was formally elected to sends my way but I can control the way I serve as the first female Principal Chief of think about them and deal with them. On ance Centers. The IRS has funded these pro- balance, I have been blessed with an extraor- grams in the past without authorization, which the Cherokee Nation in 1987, and was over- whelmingly re-elected in 1991; dinarily rich and wonderful life, filled with is troubling enough. But of even more concern Whereas during her time as Principal incredible experiences. And I am grateful to is the fact that ACORN was a recipient of Chief, Wilma focused on education and have a support team composed of loving fam- these funds. health care, overseeing the construction of ily and friends. I will be spending my time Today, we know how badly ACORN was new schools, job-training centers, health with my family and close friends and engag- abusing the public trust, and I do applaud the clinics, community development, and a ing in activities I enjoy. It’s been my privi- IRS for heeding our call and canceling those award winning housing and water projects in lege to meet and be touched by thousands of low-income communities; people in my life and I regret not being able contracts when the extent of ACORN’s mis- to deliver this message personally to so conduct came to light. Whereas over the course of her three terms, Wilma made great strides to reinstate many of you’’; But I don’t yet have confidence that the gov- the traditional Cherokee culture and values, Whereas Chief Mankiller’s final days were ernment will avoid a similar mistake in the fu- especially the role of women, reinvigorating not marred by the impending sorrow of her ture and again fund groups like ACORN. Sim- the Cherokee Nation through community de- departure, but glowing reminiscence of her ply put, Congress should not authorize these velopment projects where men and women influence in years past; and grants until we know who will be receiving work collectively for the common good; Whereas Chief Mankiller passed away in them and how they will be used. Whereas during Wilma’s tenure she trans- the morning hours of April 6, 2010, at her home in rural Adair County, Oklahoma: ECERRA formed the Nation-to-Nation relationship be- And so I thank Mr. B for agreeing to Now, therefore, be it remove this language to allow the Congress to tween the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government, met with Presidents Reagan, Resolved, That the House of Representa- examine the issue more closely. Bush, and Clinton to present critical tribal tives expresses— I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the bill. issues, and co-chaired a national conference (1) gratitude to Wilma Mankiller for her Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, between tribal leaders and cabinet members, significant contributions to the Nation, an I yield back the balance of my time. which helped facilitate the establishment of inspiration to women in Indian Country and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The an Office of Indian Justice within the U.S. across America, and for leaving a profound question is on the motion offered by Department of Justice; legacy that will continue to encourage and motivate all who carry on her work; and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Whereas upon leaving office Wilma contin- ued her endeavors, serving on several philan- (2) deep sorrow at the passing of Chief LEWIS) that the House suspend the Mankiller and condolences to her friends and rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4994, as thropic boards, including 12 years on the board of trustees of the Ford Foundation, 4 family, especially her husband Charlie and amended. years on the Board of the Ms. Foundation for two daughters, Gina and Felicia, as well as The question was taken. Women, and 4 years on the board of the Sev- the Cherokee Nation and all those who knew The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the enth Generation Fund and the board of the her and were touched by her good works. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Freedom Forum and its subsidiary, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Newseum; ant to the rule, the gentleman from

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 14, 2010 Oklahoma (Mr. BOREN) and the gentle- hind a profound legacy which will con- member getting advice, and I remem- woman from Washington (Mrs. tinue to encourage and to motivate all ber her speaking in a very unvarnished MCMORRIS RODGERS) each will control who carry on her work. way. I can’t count the number of times 20 minutes. Finally, I would like to express our that I heard her say in speeches when The Chair recognizes the gentleman deepest condolences on behalf of the she got up—she loved to speak truth to from Oklahoma. U.S. House of Representatives to her power—that she identified herself: ei- GENERAL LEAVE friends and her family, especially to ther I am or have been the principal Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- her husband, Charlie Soap, and to the chief of the Cherokee Nation. If the imous consent that all Members may entire Cherokee Nation for the loss of United States Government had had its have 5 legislative days in which to re- this wonderful lady. way, I would never have been a chief; vise and extend their remarks and in- I reserve the balance of my time. there would never have been a Cher- clude extraneous material on the reso- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. At this okee Nation or it would have ended, lution under consideration. time, I yield such time as he may con- and also tribes would have been elimi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sume to the gentleman from Oklahoma nated. That is where she began her con- objection to the request of the gen- (Mr. COLE). versation. tleman from Oklahoma? Mr. COLE. I thank the gentlewoman. She was a role model, of course, to There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, Wilma Mankiller led a women and to Native Americans every- Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise remarkable life. As my friend Con- where, particularly to my mother, who today to honor the memory of a great gressman BOREN so eloquently stated, was the first Native American elected woman, a lady who has been an inspira- her beginnings were awfully humble. to the State Senate in Oklahoma. She tion to women and also throughout In- Frankly, they didn’t get much better was a close friend of Chief Mankiller’s. dian country, Chief Wilma Pearl for a long time. She traveled to Cali- Like me, my mother admired her quite Mankiller. fornia, and unlike a lot of Oklahomans, profoundly. On the morning of April 6, 2010, Chief did not find the prosperity that so As a leader, she was always prin- Wilma Mankiller, the first female lead- many had found, so she returned home cipled; she was determined; she was vi- er of the Cherokee Nation, steward of and went to work for the Cherokee Na- sionary, but she was supremely prac- Native American cultural traditions, tion. For over a decade, she worked tical in her political pursuits. She was tough; she was shrewd; she was dedi- and an advocate for advancing the role through a succession of posts of in- cated to the Cherokee people, and she of women in tribal affairs, passed away creasing responsibility. Eventually, she was dedicated to Native Americans. at her home in rural Adair County, became, of course, the principal chief She was an extraordinarily fierce de- Oklahoma. of the second largest Indian tribe in fender of the concept of tribal sov- Chief Mankiller was a passionate ac- America, the first woman to do so and ereignty. She understood it in her tivist for the continued enhancement arguably the best leader the tribe has bones; she advocated it and, frankly, of native peoples and one of the coun- had since its removal from North Caro- enhanced it, not only for her own peo- try’s most visible American Indian lu- lina to Oklahoma. ple but for Native Americans every- minaries. From her birth on November During her tenure as chief, she more than tripled the number of Cherokees. where. 18, 1945, at the small Hastings Indian Having said that, she was always Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to She doubled tribal employment. She added dozens of programs in nutrition, willing to partner with anyone. It her service as Principal Chief of the didn’t matter what your point of view Cherokee Nation, Wilma celebrated social services, education, and cultural awareness. Frankly, she made the was. It didn’t matter what your values and nurtured her intense tribal herit- were. She was a very devoted Demo- age which was deeply rooted in a con- Cherokee Nation even more than it was—a force to be reckoned with, but a crat. My mother was a very fierce Re- nection to the rural community of publican. They found common ground Mankiller Flats, Adair County, where beneficent force, not only in northeast Oklahoma, not only within the lives of again and again on issue after issue. she spent a large part of her life. In closing, I want to join my friend its citizens, but, quite frankly, in In- As an accomplished social activist Mr. BOREN in expressing my profound dian Country and in American politics. for Indian prosperity, she devoted all sympathy to her family, obviously to She was recognized for her extraor- her energies to the well-being of Native the great Cherokee Nation and to Na- dinary achievements over a lifetime— Americans and to expanding roles for tive Americans everywhere. I mean honorary degrees, boards and founda- women through her participation in or- this with all sincerity that I have not tions and, of course, again, as my col- ganizations like the Ford Foundation, seen her like before in my life. I don’t league and friend Mr. BOREN men- the Seventh Generation Fund, and the think any of us will see her like again. Freedom Forum. She also reinstated tioned, the highest civilian award that Mr. BOREN. At this time, I yield 30 dialogue between the Cherokee Nation any American can receive, the Medal of seconds to the gentleman from Cali- and the Federal Government, which ul- Freedom. fornia (Mr. GEORGE MILLER). timately helped establish the Office of I knew Wilma Mankiller very well. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Indian Justice. She led a life based on principles. The I thank the gentleman for yielding. Wilma received numerous accolades first one was just absolute personal in- I want to thank both of my col- for her tireless efforts at improving the tegrity. She was one of the most hon- leagues from Oklahoma for this resolu- general welfare of both Indian country est and honorable people I had ever tion. and our Nation, not the least of which met in my life. The second was humil- Mr. Speaker, I had the great honor of was the Presidential Medal of Freedom ity. She was the most approachable working with Chief Wilma Mankiller in awarded to her by President Bill Clin- person you would ever want to know. my service on the Resources Com- ton. She had a total lack of pretension, and mittee and as Chair of that committee. she believed very profoundly in service She was a magnificent person, and we 1315 b to others—in service, yes, to her tribe; honor her as one of the great women in Despite all of her great personal ac- in service, yes, to Native Americans; American history. She was all of the complishments, Chief Mankiller de- but in service beyond, as a creed and as things that my colleagues have said, sired only ‘‘to be remembered as the a value, that she lived and acted on but when she came through your door, person who helped us restore faith in every single day of her life. you knew you were about to do busi- ourselves.’’ She was a remarkable person to talk ness. She was also very quick to humor To fulfill that wish and to honor her, to because she was completely candid and very often would use humor as well I have introduced this resolution in in her conversations, which is very un- as she would use knowledge in dis- gratitude to Chief Wilma Mankiller for usual, particularly for a political fig- arming those who opposed her. her significant contributions and serv- ure. If you are chief of the Cherokee The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ice to the Nation. She remains an in- Nation, I can assure you, you are a con- time of the gentleman has expired. spiration to women in Indian Country siderable and skillful politician in your Mr. BOREN. I yield the gentleman an and across America, and she leaves be- own right. On many occasions, I re- additional 30 seconds.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:34 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H14AP0.REC H14AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2537 Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. and Felicia, as well as the Cherokee Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield I had a real opportunity to work inte- Nation, and all those who knew her and back the balance of my time. grally with her on the issues of sov- were touched by her good works.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ereignty at a time when the Supreme I would just like to say I knew Wilma question is on the motion offered by Court was attacking at that moment as a young boy. I got to meet Wilma the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. some very essential parts of tribal sov- through many festivals and pow-wows BOREN) that the House suspend the ereignty. with my father when he served in the rules and agree to the resolution, H. I am sorry to hear of her passing; but U.S. Senate. She was always so kind, Res. 1237. I have great, great memories of work- and she was always lending advice to The question was taken; and (two- ing with her, of her leadership, of her me. Then after I was elected to Con- thirds being in the affirmative) the advocacy, of her passion, and of her gress—and Congressman COLE was very rules were suspended and the resolu- running so true to her values no matter correct—the term I would say is tion was agreed to. what the situation. If she couldn’t suc- ‘‘blunt’’—she was very blunt in her po- A motion to reconsider was laid on ceed today, she’d be back tomorrow. litical advice. She would call me when- the table. Very often, she was. ever something would happen within f Thank you again so very much for the Cherokee Nation or here in Con- this resolution, which recognizes the gress and would give me some advice, HONORING COAL MINERS FROM contributions of this outstanding very direct advice, and she was always UPPER BIG BRANCH MINE IN woman to the history of our country. right in her advice. We are going to WEST VIRGINIA Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. I yield miss her deeply. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. myself such time as I may consume. So, in closing, I would ask my col- Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this leagues to support this resolution to rules and agree to the resolution (H. resolution, which honors the life of honor this great woman. Res. 1236) honoring the coal miners Wilma Mankiller, and I wish to asso- Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a who perished in the Upper Big Branch ciate myself with the remarks of the member of the Native American Caucus, I rise Mine-South in Raleigh County, West previous speakers in expressing the today in strong support of House Resolution Virginia, extending condolences to condolences of the House of Represent- 1237, a resolution recognizing and honoring their families and recognizing the val- atives on her passing. the life of Wilma Pearl Mankiller. Chief iant efforts of emergency response There are many of us who did not Mankiller was an ardent advocate for the Na- workers at the mine disaster. have the opportunity to meet Wilma tive American community and an inspiration to The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mankiller. Nonetheless, as we deal the rest of the nation, and I am proud to sup- tion. with Indian affairs in Congress, all of port this resolution honoring her. The text of the resolution is as fol- us touch some part of the legacy of her I would like to thank Congressman BOREN lows: accomplishments left to the great for authoring this important resolution, and H. RES. 1236 Cherokee Nation and Indian Country. House Majority Leader STENY HOYER and In a recent article on her death, Whereas coal mining is a time-honored Speaker NANCY PELOSI for their skill and lead- profession and miners and their families Cherokee Chief Chad Smith states that ership in bringing it to the floor. have shaped the history and rich culture of she was a patriot for the Cherokee Na- Mr. Speaker, Chief Wilma Mankiller inspired West Virginia and the Nation; tion. In 1998, she received the Presi- Native American women and girls across the Whereas the Nation is greatly indebted to dential Medal of Freedom from Presi- United States when she became principal coal miners for the difficult and dangerous dent Bill Clinton in recognition for her chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the work they perform to provide the fuel needed success as an Indian leader. second largest tribe in the United States. Born to keep the Nation strong and secure; Though Wilma Mankiller is further November 18, 1945 on family land at Mankiller Whereas the Nation has long recognized honored today by the House resolution, Flats near Rocky Mountain, Oklahoma, she at- the importance of health and safety protec- tions for miners who labor in extreme and what stands out is the outpouring of tended San Francisco University, where she dangerous conditions; grief from the Cherokee citizens upon became an activist for Native American Whereas accidents in the Nation’s mines hearing the news of her death. I think causes. Chief Mankiller’s political career have again and again taken the lives of coal her greatest honor is the esteem and began when she was elected deputy chief of miners; respect in which she was held by her the Cherokee Nation in 1983, before becom- Whereas 29 West Virginia miners tragically fellow Cherokee people. ing principal chief in 1985. perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine- I commend the gentleman from Okla- This accomplishment gave her the oppor- South following an explosion on April 5, 2010; homa for sponsoring this resolution tunity and platform to become an unyielding Whereas this was the worst coal mining and for ensuring its consideration on disaster in the Nation over the last 40 years; activist for the continued enhancement of the Whereas Federal, State, and local rescue the House floor today. indigenous population. She was successful in crews worked tirelessly night and day in Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance establishing tribally owned businesses, such courageous rescue and recovery efforts; of my time. as horticultural operations, improving infra- Whereas the families of the fallen miners Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, just a few structure, and building a hydroelectric facility. have suffered immeasurable loss; and closing comments. I have a quote from In addition to this important work, she also ad- Whereas residents of Raleigh County and the President of the United States, vocated for Native American and women’s throughout West Virginia came together to Barack Obama: issues by improving federal and tribal negotia- support the miners’ families: Now, therefore, be it ‘‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the tions, as well as through her participation in passing of Wilma Mankiller today. As Resolved, That the House of Representa- organizations like the Ford Foundation, the tives— the Cherokee Nation’s first female Seventh Generation Fund, and the Freedom (1) recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made chief, she transformed the Nation-to- Forum. Because of her tireless efforts towards by the 29 coal miners lost at the Upper Big Nation relationship between the Cher- improving the general welfare of Native Ameri- Branch Mine-South, Raleigh County, West okee Nation and the Federal Govern- cans, Chief Mankiller has received numerous Virginia; ment, and served as an inspiration to awards, including the Presidential Medal of (2) extends the deepest condolences of the women in Indian Country and across Freedom. Nation to the families of these men; America. A recipient of the Presi- In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to (3) recognizes all coal miners for enduring dential Medal of Freedom, she was rec- the loss of their coworkers and maintaining support this resolution honoring the life and courage throughout this ordeal; ognized for her vision and commitment accomplishments of this extraordinary woman. (4) commends the rescue crews for their to a brighter future for all Americans. Her work and dedication have improved the valiant efforts to find these miners; and Her legacy will continue to encourage lives of Native Americans across the country, (5) honors the many volunteers who pro- and motivate all who carry on her as well as given Americans across the country vided support and comfort for the miners’ work. a better understanding of the Native American families during the rescue and recovery oper- ‘‘Michelle and I offer our condolences community. ations. to Wilma’s family, especially her hus- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- band, Charlie, and two daughters Gina me in supporting H. Res. 1237. ant to the rule, the gentleman from

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