|
H.L.C.
.....................................................................
(Original Signature of Member)
107TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION H. R. __
To designate a paid legal
public holiday in honor of Native Americans.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. BACA introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on _______________
A BILL
To designate a paid legal
public holiday in honor of Native Americans.
Be it enacted by the
Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America
in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
- Native
Americans were the original inhabitants of the land that now constitutes
the United States.
-
Native American tribal governments developed the fundamental principles
of freedom of speech and separation of powers that form the foundation
of the United States Government.
-
Native Americans have traditionally exhibited respect for our finite
natural resources through a deep reverence for the Earth.
-
Native Americans have served with valor in all of the Nation’s
wars beginning with the Revolutionary War through the present day,
and often the percentage of Native American Indians who served exceeded
significantly the percentage of Americans in the population of the
United States as a whole, showing the disproportionate commitment
of Native Americans to the Nation.
-
Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to
the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including
agriculture, medicine, music, language, art, and as inventors, entrepreneurs,
spiritual leaders, and scholars.
-
Native Americans deserve to be recognized for their individual contributions
to the United States as local and national leaders, artists, athletes,
and scholars. 25
-
This recognition will encourage self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness
in Native Americans of all ages about the significant role their ancestors
and heritage played in the formation of the freest country in the
world, the United States.
-
This recognition will allow all Americans of whatever background to
show respect and admiration to Native Americans for their important
contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of the
United States and the richness of its cultural fabric.
-
Bringing about a legal public holiday for Native Americans will show
a strong united government-to-government relationship between each
of the Native American Nations and the Federal Government.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF
NATIVE AMERICAN’S DAY.
Congress requests that_
- the
President issue a proclamation designating a paid legal public holiday
as ‘‘Native American’s Day’’; and
- Federal,
State, and local governments, interested groups and organizations,
and the people of the United States to observe Native American’s
Day with programs, appropriate ceremonies, and activities.
|
