For Alaskans--- and for the millions of Americans throughout the 50 states who have been frustrated over the years in trying to do something positive, progressive and fair for America’s first citizens, this should be considered a great victory.
The rapid action of the Senate in approving the Alaska Native Land Claims bill is, of course gratifying. The members of the Committee, the Interior Department at its highest executive levels, the state administration of Alaska and countless dedicated individuals throughout the country have worked not for months, but for years, to put together a legislative package that would do the job and be a positive answer to the needs of these citizens.
I am extremely proud that this rapid action was based not on political or personal considerations, but on solid testimony which showed conclusively that these Americans have a genuine and just claim.
This dovetails exactly with President Nixon’s recent message in which he expressed the Administration’s determination to advance the cause of America’s Indian, Eskimo and Aleut citizens.
Further, this is not merely a victory for the citizens of one state.
The administration is proud that it is a victory for all Americans who are more interested in a ‘fair shake’ that the expediencies of politics or mere rhetoric.
I am confident that the house will consider the individual features of the bill and move it along toward passage with equal fairness and speed.
