Editorial: Wait for courts on Freedmen dispute

Monday, September 17, 2007  

"U.S. Rep. Dan Boren did the correct thing in convincing the House to hold off cutting Cherokee Nation funds until freedmen lawsuits are resolved.

Earlier this month, the U.S. House voted to eliminate the federal funding to Cherokees that normally would be included in the housing assistance bill. But Boren pushed through an amendment allowing the funding to continue while federal courts hear the freedmen suits.

The Cherokee Nation is allowing freedmen to receive tribal benefits while the suits are being heard. That’s what led Boren to ask for his amendment.

Congress certainly can involve itself in the dispute. However, it makes sense to wait and see what the courts decide. Legislative action now may only add to the confusion when the courts issue decisions."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Rep. delays Cherokee cuts (The Muskogee Phoenix 9/15)

Cherokee-Related Legislation:
H.R.2786 | H.R.2895 | H.R.2824 | H.R.3002

BIA Letters:
August 9, 2007 | July 11, 2007 | June 22, 2007 | May 21, 2007 | March 28, 2007 | August 30, 2006

Sovereign Immunity Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 2006)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision in Freedmen Case:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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