"A Wyoming Senator wants changes to a major court settlement between Indian Country and the United States. His intentions – open to very different interpretations. According to Senator John Barrasso…

BARRASSO - “It is going to improve the settlement…”

According to lead plaintiff Elouise Cobell…

COBELL – “He’s trying to kill the settlement…”

First, some background: The Cobell Settlement resolved a decade-old lawsuit for the alleged mismanagement of billions of Indian Country dollars. The 3-point-4 billion dollar agreement translates to big money for the lawyers – about 100 million in fees. Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, wants an amendment limiting attorneys’ fees to 50 million.

BARRASSO - “It is going to improve the settlement. Not going to derail it. I have gotten letters from Native American groups from around the country who support what I’m doing.”

So why does plaintiff Elouise Cobell disagree?

COBELL – “…It’s clearly stated that any major changes to the settlement will kill it.”"

Get the Story:
Indian Settlement Legal Fees Rouse Senator's Ire (Capitol News Connection 7/7)

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

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