Congress went on break last month without considering an $8 billion settlement to the Cobell trust fund lawsuit.

Lawmakers return to work after the November elections. But Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff, said she is worried they won't take action to resolve the case.

"I'm afraid this whole problem is going to be swept under the rug again," the banker from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana told The Los Angeles Times.

Victor Leonard Sure Chief, also Blackfeet, criticized the removal of U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth. "It seemed to us he was very fair, and look what happens � they whacked him," he told the paper.

Catherine Marie Salois Hall inherited her land from mother. But she said it's impossible to know how much she is making from mining, ranching and oil leases.

"My late mother told us that someday, something might happen and this land would be really worth something to us," Hall told the paper. "But it's never really happened."

Get the Story:
The horizon recedes again on Indians' vast royalty claims (The Los Angeles Times 10/23)
pwday

Relevant Documents:
Staff Draft of Cobell Settlement Bill (Posted by ITMA)

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Statement:
INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE POSTPONES CONSIDERATION OF TRUST REFORM LEGISLATION (August 2, 2006)

Indian Trust Reform Act:
S.1439 | H.R.4322

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Kempthorne - http://www.indiantrust.com
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm

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