Rep. Frank backs Freedmen in Cherokee funding fight

Tuesday, April 22, 2008  

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will oppose a bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act. if the Senate doesn't include a provision addressing the Cherokee Freedmen.

The House passed H.R.2786 last September. It cuts funds to the Cherokee Nation unless the Freedmen, who are restored to citizenship.

The Senate is still considering its version of the bill. But Frank said he won't agree to a conference committee report unless the matter is resolved.

"We would not pass the bill. We would not acquiesce to give funding to the Cherokees," Frank said, The Hill newspaper reported.

The NAHASDA cut in the House bill won't take effect until tribal courts resolve the citizenship status of the Freedmen. Meanwhile, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear one of the Freedmen lawsuits on May 6.

Get the Story:
Frank sides with CBC, holds fast on Cherokee funding (The Hill 4/22)

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)

Related Stories:
Freedmen issue weighs heavy on Capitol Hill (4/14)
Tim Giago: CBC goes after Cherokee Nation (4/14)
Cherokee tribes denounce Freedmen legislation (4/10)
Cherokee chief to address Freedmen at conference (4/7)
Black lawmakers press Senate on Freedmen (4/4)
Cherokee Freedmen dispute up for hearing (3/27)
Opinion: Being Cherokee more than the blood (3/26)
Lawmakers press Artman on Freedmen issues (3/19)
Freedmen protest outside of Rep. Boren's office (3/3)
Black lawmakers to meet with Artman over Freedmen (1/23)