Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit, said today that Congress won't act on a bill to settle the billion-dollar case due to opposition from President Bush and the White House.

"The opportunity for a legislative settlement in the 109th Congress has been killed by the administration," Cobell said. "Because the Administration stonewalled and vigorously opposed a fair settlement, Congress decided not to move a settlement bill."

The bill was introduced more than a year ago. This summer, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs advances a proposal to settle the case for $8 billion.

The Bush administration failed to respond to the bill, forcing two delays that kept the measure from reaching the Senate floor. When they finally did response, they offered a series of highly controversial provisions that would effectively terminate the trust within 10 years.

Tribes nationwide opposed the proposals. But with Democrats now in control of the House and Senate, Cobell said the plaintiffs look forward to a fresh beginning in 2007.

"We will work closely with the new Congress to resolve the litigation fairly and expeditiously," she said.

Briefing Paper:
NEWLY PROPOSED PROVISIONS FOR SENATE BILL 1439 THE INDIAN TRUST REFORM ACT (SCIA 10/23)

Press Release:
ADDITIONAL CONSULTATION MEETINGS TO BE HELD ON S.1439 (SCIA 10/19)

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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