The Cherokee Nation has filed a lawsuit to resolve the issue. "The proper place to settle this issue is in a courtroom, not in Congress," noted Cole. "That is what the Cherokees have chosen to do and, in contrast to the 1830's when the federal government ignored the courts and acted on its own, that is what Congress should do today as well.
A similar version of the bill was introduced during the 110th Congress but never received a hearing. Recent D.C. Circuit Decision:Vann v. Kempthorne (July 29, 2008) Related Stories:
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Opinion: Treaties and the Five Civilized Tribes
Freedmen protest honoring of Cherokee Nation chief (6/5)
Editorial: 'Shameful' posturing on Freedmen issue (5/7)
Boren and Cole oppose Freedmen investigation (5/6)
African-American lawmakers seek Freedmen probe (5/5)
Cherokee Nation seeks to end Freedmen dispute (2/4)