Rehberg Lauds Breakthrough in Indian Trust Fund Dispute

Rehberg Lauds Breakthrough in Indian Trust Fund Dispute

BILLINGS, MT - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, said he is "delighted" the two sides have agreed to resolve the so-called Cobell Indian trust fund dispute. The federal government and representatives of the 500,000 Indian account holders yesterday agreed to mediate the eight-year-old lawsuit.

"This is an encouraging development in what has been a long and difficult time, especially for the account holders," Rehberg said. "I've been working with the tribes to find a way to get this resolved outside the courts, knowing there's no telling how long the case would flounder should it enter the judicial process.

Rehberg, a Member of the House Resources Committee, hosted a Congressional field hearing on the trust fund dispute in Billings last fall. Representatives from tribes in Montana and Wyoming participated in the hearing on October 25, 2003.

"I felt at the time there was still an opportunity for a legislative solution, which is why I asked for and hosted the listening session with the tribes and federal officials involved in the dispute. Allowing this case to go to trial is really a last resort," Rehberg said. "In Montana, we have a tradition of rolling up our sleeves and bringing everyone together to work out problems. I'm glad the plaintiffs and the Department of the Interior have agreed to come together in mediation to try to resolve this lawsuit."

"In the meantime, I will continue to monitor this closely to ensure trust fund beneficiaries are treated fairly," Rehberg cautioned.