Tribal leaders are debating whether the National Congress of American Indians should take a position on a controversial amendment to the $3.4 billion settlement in the Indian trust fund lawsuit.

NCAI officially supports a settlement. But two other tribal organizations say the amendment, offered by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), the vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, addresses some concerns about the deal by capping attorneys' fees and limiting incentive payments to the named plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs and the Obama administration oppose the amendment. “In any settlement agreement, no one gets everything they want,” Kim TeeHee, the White House senior policy advisor on Native American affairs, said at NCAI's mid-year conference, The Rapid City Journal reported. “Any change to the agreement will nullify and void everything.”

NCAI drew complaints when President Jefferson Keel wrote a letter that discussed the amendment but which did not take a position on it. According to the Journal, Keel said the amendment could derail the settlement, although no direct quotes were reported.

A resolution on the issue is expected to see a vote on Wednesday, the last day of the conference.

Get the Story:
Native group weighs support for Cobell settlement (The Rapid City Journal 6/22)

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

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