Challenge for trust reform measures met

0 Comments | Indian Country Today (Lakota Times), June, 2005 | by Melmer, David

Melmer, David Indian Country Today (Lakota Times) 06-29-2005 WASHINGTON - When Congress asked Indian country leaders to unite and develop a plan for trust reform, Indian country met the challenge. Now the ball is back in Congress' court. Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Vice Chairman Sen.

Byron Dorgan, D-N.D. and House Resource Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif., threw down the gauntlet - and the result is a set of 50 principles adopted by a national tribal task force that gives Congress guidelines for developing legislation to change how the Department of Interior does business with Indian country. Congress received the list of principles for consideration. "Now they [Congress] have to deliver, and if they...