Congress doesn't face a "deadline" to settle the Indian trust fund lawsuit, according to Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington), the top Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee.

In a letter to plaintiffs' attorney Dennis Gingold, Hastings appeared to be upset by media accounts of a May 28 deadline to approve the $3.4 billion settlement. "In fact, there is no 'deadline' in the settlement," the letter stated.

The deadline was set by the plaintiffs in the case and the Obama administration. Judge James Robertson has extended it twice to wait for Congressional authorization.

"Congress was not a party to the settlement negotiations and is bound by no date," Hastings said.

President Barack Obama has asked Congress to fund the settlement twice since December. The most recent request was transmitted on February 12 and includes a legislative proposal.

Additionally, Hastings requested and received a letter from the Congressional Budget Office about the settlement on March 29.

Relevant Documents:
Agreement | Press Release | Q&A | Audio

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