The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations convened on February 26, 2025, for the American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Day, focusing on critical issues affecting Indigenous communities. The afternoon session featured testimonies highlighting the ongoing struggles for justice and restitution faced by Native American tribes.

One significant discussion centered on the Quapaw Nation's long-standing quest for compensation related to the Baer case. A representative from the Quapaw Nation expressed gratitude for Congressman Tom Cole's leadership in introducing legislation that allowed the tribe to seek restitution from the U.S. government. This legislation led to a historic settlement in January 2020, where the court recommended $137.5 million in compensation for damages suffered by the Quapaw Nation and its co-claimants.

Despite this progress, the representative lamented that over five years later, the promised compensation has not been delivered. They urged the committee to support new legislation introduced by Senators Mullen and Langford, along with Congressman Josh Burkin, to fulfill the U.S. government's obligations. The representative emphasized that while the appropriation would not erase the historical injustices faced by the tribe, it would provide essential resources to address ongoing challenges stemming from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' mismanagement of their lands.

Following this testimony, Jeff Focaccio, Chief of the United Catuwah Band of Cherokee Indians, began his remarks, indicating a continuation of discussions on the needs and rights of Indigenous communities.

The session underscored the importance of legislative action to rectify historical grievances and support the recovery of Native American tribes, highlighting the ongoing commitment required from Congress to uphold trust and treaty responsibilities. The committee's engagement with these issues reflects a broader recognition of the need for justice and reparative measures for Indigenous peoples in the United States.