Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit, says passage of the $3.4 billion settlement to the case "appears be impossible" due to a link to an unrelated settlement for African-American farmers.

The Obama administration and Senate Democrats have grouped the two settlements together in hopes of getting them passed. But in recent weeks Cobell, along with the farmers, have raised concerns about the link.

At one point, the farmers said Republicans were opposed to the Cobell settlement. But now that changes have been made to the deal, Cobell says Republicans are raising questions about the African-American settlement.

Congress has adjourned and won't return until after the November election.

Get the Story:
Indian trust settlement threatened by link to discrimination case (The Oklahoman 10/2)

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

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