HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4693, by Representatives O'Brien, Locke, Jacobsen, Anderson, Sheldon, Brekke and Spanel.

     WHEREAS, The Chinook, Cowlitz, Duwamish, Samish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Steilacoom Tribes of Washington have not been officially recognized by the bureau of Indian affairs on behalf of the United States government; and

     WHEREAS, Federal recognition of these tribes will restore tribal sovereignty, improve tribal governance, clarify tribal status, and establish important tribal rights, powers, and privileges; and

     WHEREAS, These tribes are petitioning the bureau of Indian affairs to secure official federal recognition; and

     WHEREAS, Federal legislation is needed to improve current procedures by which tribes must petition for federal recognition;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives wish that the Congress of the United States confer the status of federally recognized tribes upon the Chinook, Cowlitz, Duwamish, Samish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Steilacoom Tribes of Washington, and that federal legislation be enacted guaranteeing to all tribes the right to seek federal recognition under a clear, unbiased, and timely administrative procedure; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to all members of Congress of the United States representing the people of the State of Washington.