The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing last week on a bill to add money to the trust funds of two South Dakota tribes.

The Tribal Parity Act would boost the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe's trust by $78.4 million. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe would have $147 million added to its account.

The trust funds were created by Congress to compensate the tribes for damage suffered by dams along the Missouri River. But the amount placed in the accounts was calculated differently than other tribes.

The tribes use interest on the trust funds for community development and other projects.

Get the Story:
Tribes could be paid more for land (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/25)

Get the Bill:
Tribal Parity Act (S.1530)

Relevant Documents:
Witness List | Audio of Hearing