Elouise Cobell statement on House passage of settlement

Cobell

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit, released this statement on May 28, 2010.

Since the U.S. House of Representatives has approved H.R. 4213 - The American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act, which authorizes the Cobell settlement, we want to give the Senate an opportunity to do the same upon its return from the recess.

In light of the flood of calls received by plaintiffs' counsel from class members asking that we ensure finalization of this settlement, the parties have agreed to extend the May deadline for enacting legislation authorizing the settlement to June 15, 2010. I look forward to working with the Senate on this legislation.

We are grateful to the House for its action today. I would especially like to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, House Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall of West Virginia, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Norman Dicks of Washington, Sander Levin and Dale Kildee of Michigan, Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota and Denny Rehberg of Montana for their assistance.

As a personal note, I would like to say that the allegation by Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Washington, that I am entitled to a payment of $15 million under the settlement is patently untrue. I will be entitled to recover the expenses I incurred over the past 14 years in connection with this lawsuit. Any payment must be approved by a federal judge.

American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act:
Press Release: Baucus, Levin To Release Joint Legislation To Create Jobs, Extend Tax Cuts for Families and Businesses, Support Americans Looking for Work | Background and More Information

Cobell Settlement Documents:
Agreement | Press Release | Q&A | Audio