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Trust
Interior denies attempt to halt trust fund payments


The Interior Department doesn't plan on withholding checks from Indian beneficiaries, a spokesperson said.

Special Trustee Ross Swimmer suggested in a memo last week that all communications with account holders be put on hold. He even said sending royalty checks would require court approval under a new order from U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth.

But the department will comply with Lamberth's order, a spokesperson said. The department will come up with language to notify account holders of their rights.

Get the Story:
Judge: Indians have right to land notification (The Billings Gazette 10/5)

Relevant Documents:
Clarified Court Order | Motion w/Ross Swimmer Memo | Court Order | Temporary Restraining Order | List of Auction Properties | Motion for TRO

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust, Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com

Related Stories:
Swimmer: Communication with account holders on hold (10/4)
Lamberth orders DOI to inform beneficiaries of rights (9/30)
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Tribes back improvements in probate reform bill (10/16)
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Tribes focus energies on 'core' trust reform issues (05/30)
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