A $417 billion defense spending bill that includes a buyout of a Native allotment for up to $2.5 million cleared the House and Senate on Thursday and is ready for President Bush's signature.

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, inserted the provision. It benefits the family of Jake Adams, a Stevens supporter who is president of Arctic Slope Regional Corp.

Stevens told the Alaska press yesterday that the final version of the bill contains a modified version of the rider. Instead of outright purchasing the 160 acres from the family for $2.5 million, it includes a cap of $2.5 million.

The language Stevens inserted is found in S.2559. It does not mention the Adams family by name.

Get the Story:
Defense bill helps family on Slope (The Anchorage Daily News 7/23)

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Stevens rider pays Native friends $2.5M for land (07/12)