Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce a bill to extend the authorization for certain programs under the Native American Programs Act of 1974. This bill is critical to continue the availability of a modest amount of grant funds used by native communities nationwide to foster economic growth, develop tools for good governance methods, and promote social welfare.

The authorization for most of these programs has expired and though the administration has requested funding for fiscal year 1998 at fiscal year 1997 levels, it has not introduced legislation to reauthorize the act. The legislation I am introducing today would do just that.

These programs are administered through the Administration for Native Americans [ANA] located within the Department of Health and Human Services. By awarding annual grants on a competitive basis, the Native American Programs Act promotes self-sufficiency and self-determination by encouraging tribes, villages, and other native communities to develop and plan local strategies in economic and social development. The program is designed to build greater capacity at the tribal level for better governance, more vibrant and diversified economies, and social development.

The ANA Program has proven successful for native communities since its inception and has generated widespread support by America's native communities. The centerpiece of the program are grants made under the Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) Program; grants to tribes enhance tribal environmental regulatory capabilities; and grants made to preserve and rehabilitate native languages.

This legislation will simply extend for 4 years until fiscal year 2000 the authorization for these modestly funded yet very successful programs to strengthen and rebuild tribal communities around the United States.

I urge my colleagues to join with me in enacting this reauthorization so that these proven tools for development can again be made available to native peoples around the Nation. I ask unanimous consent that a section-by-section summary and the bill language be printed in the RECORD.