Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) today praised the United States Senate for passing his legislation placing in trust 240 acres of excess Bureau of Land Management land for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe of the Benton Paiute Reservation near Bishop, California.  HR 854, which was introduced by McKeon last year, passed the Senate by voice vote and will now be sent to the White House for the President's expected signature. "We've cleared the last hurdles and at long last the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribe is on its way to greater self-sufficiency and economic development," said McKeon.

HR 845 adds 240 acres to the 160 acre Benton Paiute Reservation.  The land in question will be used as a site to construct tribal housing units, a health station, wellness center, fire station, police station and an industrial park for manufacturing businesses.  As part of the agreement to facilitate the bill's passage, the tribe agreed not to carry out gaming activities on the transferred lands.

Joseph Saulque, Chairman of the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe, thanked McKeon and lauded his efforts on behalf of the tribe and the community.  "Representative McKeon has been a strong and effective advocate and unwavering in his commitment to enhance the economic future of the tribe and the surrounding community. His efforts will make a real difference in daily lives of tribal members," said Saulque.

McKeon paid tribute to Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for their part in helping to get HR 854 through the Senate.  "Senators McCain and Boxer were absolutely critical to our success," added McKeon.  "Senator McCain gave the bill full and fair committee consideration and Senator Boxer provided crucial bi-partisan backing without which consideration of HR 854 would almost certainly have been slowed to a stop."

McKeon also once again expressed his gratitude to all who helped facilitate passage of the bill, noting that without support from Mono county as well as numerous California Indian tribal governments and the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribe itself.  He noted especially the work of tribal chairman Joseph Saulque, whom McKeon cited for his outstanding work in the fields of Indian health and education.

"This was that rare bird we see on the Hill. A win-win for everyone.  My bill did not cost the Federal Government one thin dime, the tribe now has an opportunity to improve its economic future and Mono county will benefit from the growth of one of its most important native American communities. You don't have days like that around here too often," said McKeon.

HR 845 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote earlier this year.

12-09-06