173 



This is the constant theme that I've heard over and over again 

 over the years. Indian tribes want funding directly to go to them 

 to manage their affairs. 



Now here's the other side of the coin to this issue, Mr. Frank. 

 And there are those of us who said, well, but we have to have some 

 sense of accountability. This is the taxpayers' money. How are we 

 going to make sure that that money is spent properly, and that it's 

 not going to be wasted or mismanaged or there's any sense of cor- 

 ruption or fraud. 



This is the kind of thing that has its Washington mentality going 

 on. And say, well, we have to have some sense of accountability for 

 it. 



So that's the other side of the coin. 



And perhaps maybe we can get better suggestions or rec- 

 ommendations from Indian country, and perhaps it can be proven 

 that Indian tribes can do a better job in managing the money that 

 comes from the American taxpayers' pocket. 



So this is the kind of thing that goes on here. And hopefully you 

 can give us better recommendations on how we can make improve- 

 ments in this. 



I appreciate Chief Wallulatum's statement. You're not here ask- 

 ing for funds. You're here just to give you better management 

 skills. 



Maybe this is another area that the Department of the Interior 

 can look at. 



You're not here to ask for handouts. You just want something to 

 make you more self-sufficient. This is another constant theme that 

 I hear from our tribal friends across the country. 



I have asked previously for the opinions of the previous panel 

 about how they feel about the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as 

 the Congress. 



But I think pretty much we've gotten a sense of how this hearing 

 is starting. And please bear in mind that this is just the begin- 

 ning,. 



Like I said, I'm very very encouraged that the Chairman is gomg 

 to bring our Committee to Indian country, rather than to always 

 constantly have Indian country coming to Washington. I think it's 

 high time that Washington needs to come and see for themselves, 

 the members especially, what's happening out there. 



And I also want to express my profound reverence and respect 

 for High Chief Wallulatum and Mr. Frank. And I think this is a 

 one, constant cultural theme that I would like to say, you know, 

 Steve and I are nothing but kids. 



And I always remember what Emerson said. That the years 

 teach much which the days never know. And I always make that 

 special note, my most profound respect for our elders here this 

 morning. 



And I really, really appreciate your presence. It's given me a 

 sense of greater responsibility and commitment, and I'm sure Steve 

 feels the same way. 



But we need guidance, we need your wisdom. All the smarts and 

 education don't mean beans if we don't have the guidance from our 

 elders. And I just want to let Chief Wallulatum know that and Mr. 

 Frank. 



