Congressman Expresses Cautious Optimism on Indian Trust 'Breakthrough'

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole released the following statement upon the announcement by leaders of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Resources Committee today to move ahead with the mediation process concerning the Indian Trust issue.

"I am very pleased that both parties in the Cobell litigation have decided to move ahead with the mediation process, and my hope is that their efforts will bring justice to the half a million individual Indian Trust beneficiaries who have waited for a fair accounting of the property which the federal government holds in trust for them."

"This is definitely a move forward from last year's decision in the Interior Appropriations Bill to dictate a settlement rather than to continue negotiations. Through the mediation process there is potential to find a solution that would be acceptable and fair to both parties."

"I express cautious optimism that this breakthrough will help resolve this 100 year dispute that has held justice for so many Native Americans. With that said I will be watching these deliberations closely to ensure that these Americans receive what is rightfully theirs."

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