The Miccosukee Tribe says a provision in the $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations Act that was passed by the House on Wednesday will harm the Florida Everglades.

The tribe won a lawsuit that said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to perform an adequate review a bridge in the Everglades. The spending bill exempts the agency from complying with environmental laws.

The provision will "add another sad chapter to the lamentable history of mistreatment and exploitation of American Indians and reach a landmark in irresponsible spending," the tribe said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), The Miami Herald reported.

The bill passed by a 245 to 178 vote.

Get the Story:
Money, White House pick revive Everglades restoration hopes (The Miami Herald 2/26)
House Bill Draws Criticism From GOP (The Washington Post 2/26)
House Passes Spending Bill, and Critics Are Quick to Point Out Pork (The New York Times 2/26)

FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act:
H.R.1105 | Text and Explanatory Statement

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Omnibus bill includes reservation projects (2/24)