Rep. Cole Praises Pombo for Deadline Extension

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Cole praised Chairman of the House Resources Committee Richard Pombo, today for his work to extend the December 31, 2005 statutory deadline for filing of claims against the Department of the Interior for alleged mismanagement of Indian trust funds. Early this morning the House passed, by unanimous consent, S. 1892 that will extend this deadline for one year.

"Chairman Pombo has been relentless in making sure this legislation was brought before the House before adjournment this year. With this extension, Native Americans will have additional time to file their claims and reach an agreement with the Department of the Interior," Congressman Cole said.

The one year extension is necessary to preempt a wave of legal claims that would have to be filed to protect tribes with potential claims. This will in turn waste time and money that could be avoided if the deadline was extended in order for settlement resolutions to be negotiated.

Congressman Cole used his position on the powerful Rules Committee to work with leadership, in support of Congressman Pombo, to bring this legislation to the floor.

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