Native American Veterans’ Memorial Amendments Act gains bipartisan support

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) recently introduced the Native American Veterans’ Memorial Amendments Act.

The proposed legislation amends the Native American Veterans’ Memorial Establishment Act of 1994 to allow the National Museum of the American Indian to construct a memorial to native veterans on the museums’ grounds, located on the National Mall.

Current law authorizes a memorial inside the confines of the museum, however, there is not sufficient space within the facility to construct a proper tribute to Native American veterans.

“Our Native American heritage is one we can take pride in and one we should respectfully honor,” Mullin said. “Passage of this legislation is vital to get this project off the ground and get our brave Native Americans who fought for our freedoms the memorial they deserve. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to working together as we pay tribute to our Native American veterans.”

Mullin is a Cherokee and a member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Alaskan Native Affairs. The legislation attracted bipartisan support with 10 cosponsors, including Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.).

“I am pleased to co-sponsor this legislation with Congressman Mullin,” Cole said. “We both have great pride in our Native American heritage and recognize the importance of sharing that heritage with others. It is high time that the National Museum of the American Indian is able to move forward with the construction of a memorial to honor our veterans on its grounds. This bill facilitates that goal and also approves museum fundraising efforts, paving the way for us to truly recognize those Native Americans who bravely served our country.”

Cole is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.