I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 887 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 2, 2011 Mr. Young of Alaska (for himself and Mr. Hastings of Washington) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to submit a report on Indian land fractionation, and for other purposes.

1.

Report on Indian land fractionation

Not later than 6 months after funds are made available for this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit a report to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate that contains the following: (1)A comprehensive assessment of Indian land fractionation. (2)The plan of the Secretary for consolidating highly fractionated Indian lands pursuant the Indian Land Consolidation Act and the Class Action Settlement Agreement referred to in section 2. (3)Any alternative to the plan referred to in paragraph (2) to consolidate highly fractionated Indian lands in a manner that— (A)maximizes economic return on lands held in trust for the benefit of individual Indians or Indian tribes; (B)lowers Federal costs of managing and probating such lands; and (C)includes contracting and compacting under title I and title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

2.

Limitation on Indian Trust Account Settlement

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the Class Action Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2009, in the case entitled Elouise Cobell et al. v. Ken Salazar et al., United States District Court, District of Columbia, Civil Action No. 96–1285 (TFH), the total amount awarded for attorneys’ fees, expenses, and costs shall not exceed $50,000,000.