Gov. Lewis Joins President Biden at the White House for Historic Infrastructure Bill Signing
Kyle Knox
Gila River Indian News
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis was in Washington, D.C., to witness the signing of President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill on Nov. 15. The Governor joined Congressional members, state and local officials at the signing and was one of only three tribal leaders from Indian Country invited to the historic event.
“I am honored to be invited by the White House to attend President Biden’s signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act today,” Gov. Lewis said. “This historic Act will provide funding for tribal water settlements including the Community’s settlement and will help the Community address drought and transportation and broadband needs in the Community.
The next day, Governor Lewis participated in the White House Tribal Nations Summit on a panel that highlighted the impacts of climate change in Indian Country. Gov. Lewis noted that “Climate change is the existential threat of our lifetimes and we need to address the impacts for our current and future generations.” Governor Lewis highlighted the Community’s role in leading drought discussions and innovative solutions such as solar covered panels that the Community will put in place the first quarter of next year.
While in Washington D.C., Governor Lewis met with Congressman O’Halleran to brief the Congressman on the current drought discussions and he also met with Senator Kelly and reiterated his request that Senator Kelly take any and all measures necessary to pass the Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act this year.
Governor Lewis stated that “This week was historic and also an opportunity to highlight the Community’s federal priorities.”
Right, Gov. Lewis attends the signing ceremony for the 1 Trillion infrastructure bill inked into law by President Joe Biden on Nov. 15. GRIC Photo