San Carlos Apache Tribe Supports Rep. Stansbury for Ranking Member of House Committee on Natural Resources

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), welcomes the endorsement from Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe for Ranking Member on the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources:

"On behalf of the over 17,300 members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe (“Tribe”), we respectfully and humbly request your support for Representative Melanie Stansbury to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources in the 119th Congress.

"With Ranking Member Grijalva stepping down as the lead Democrat of this Committee, which is critical for tribal communities, there are big shoes to fill to ensure the federal government fulfills its treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations. Representative Stansbury has Representative Grijalva’s backing; and, we have witnessed first-hand her fierce commitment to protecting tribal traditional ways of life and strengthening the government-to-government relationship. She has gone to the mat for the Tribe in her efforts to protect sacred Oak Flat, and we worked with her on the successful legislative battle to protect sacred Chaco Canyon this Congress.

"Like Representative Grijalva, she is a breath of fresh air in the U.S. Congress, giving 100% to assist Tribes because it is the right thing to do. Sadly, many Members of Congress say they support and champion tribes; but, when push comes to shove, they will support other Democratic constituencies over tribes every time when there are opposing positions. This was the old way of House Democrats that Representative Grijalva changed. We do not want to go back to the old way.

"Representative Stansbury has the vision to continue the legacy of Representative Grijalva’s historic tenure. She not only has the experience and relationships to continue partnering with Tribal Nations across the country but also the expertise in protecting this country’s natural resources, having worked on Interior issues at OMB, worked at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and now serving as a key Member on the House Natural Resources Committee."

###