members of the sub committee, i'm pleased to join you today to introduce ann dennison tucker. chairwoman tucker has served her tribe for over 30 years. she has in-depth knowledge of the history, the genealogy and federal tribal issues unique to northwest florida, and you'll find her testimony to be a telling one. i've had the opportunity to meet with the chairwoman on several occasions and have seen firsthand her tribe's great work and the impact that they've had from a local community. i know of no better person than ann to share with you the many hardships that her tribe has faced under the current federal recognition process. i want to thank you for holding this important hearing and preeshs the opportunity to join you today, mr. chairman. to listen to chairwoman tucker, the people of the nation of florida. and their continued efforts that i hope will lead ultimately, although i know that's not what this hearing is about. but the