[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E9331]]



 A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF A FEDERAL COURT SETTLEMENT TO THE 
                  MENOMINEE INDIAN TRIBE OF WISCONSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK GREEN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced before 
this House a bill I hope will finally bring an end to a decades-long 
legal struggle and also provide much-needed financial assistance to one 
of the most impoverished areas of my Congressional District and, 
indeed, the entire state of Wisconsin.
  Specifically, the bill I've introduced authorizes the U.S. government 
to finally make good on a $32 million court settlement with the 
Menominee Indian Tribe in my district. The history of this settlement 
can be traced back to 1954, when the federal government terminated the 
tribe's federal trust status and the Bureau of Indian Affairs grossly 
mismanaged many of the tribe's assets.
  In 1967, the tribe filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging this 
termination and seeking damages. After decades of litigation, in 1993 
Congress passed a congressional reference directing the U.S. Claims 
Court to determine what damages, if any, were owed to the tribe.
  In August of last year, following three decades of lengthy court 
trials and appeals, the tribe finally settled its claim against the 
federal government for $32 million.
  As the members of this House are aware, Congress must authorize the 
payment of this court settlement before any U.S. funds can be released. 
The court has done its job and the tribe has waited long enough. Now it 
is time for Congress to do its job and agree to this settlement.
  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to briefly spell out four key reasons why this 
proposal is worthy of support:
  First, I believe it is our responsibility to make good on public 
commitments that have been made by representatives of our government in 
federal court proceedings. In this case, both sides negotiated this 
settlement in good faith, and it was approved by the court. Now it is 
our duty to finalize the court actions in this matter and award the 
settlement as agreed to.
  Second, I believe this legal battle has gone on long enough, and the 
taxpayers should be relieved of the ongoing cost burden of this 
litigation. The first lawsuit dealing with this matter was filed in 
1967--more than 31 years ago. After numerous trials and appeals over 
the last three decades, we have finally reached the light at the end of 
the tunnel. It is time for Congress to close the book on this matter 
once and for all and approve the release of these funds.
  Third, the Menominee Indian Tribe needs and deserves this settlement. 
The Menominee are one of the most economically troubled Indian nations 
in America. This is due in part to the Menominee Termination Act and 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs' mismanagement of Menominee tribal 
resources from 1961 to 1973.
  Finally, this settlement will provide a boost to the local economies 
of northeastern Wisconsin--a part of my state in need of help due to 
the recent farm crisis and other economic factors. This settlement will 
provide at least a small amount of relief to communities throughout 
this area.
  One final note. Today, Senator Kohl has introduced nearly identical 
legislation in the Senate. I am pleased to be working with him and I 
applaud his years of hard work in trying to improve the economic 
situation on the Menominee Reservation.
  I would also like to thank Menominee Chairman Apesanahkwat for his 
willingness to work with me to ensure these funds, if approved, won't 
be used to take any land off the tax rolls. These dollars will be used 
to improve education, health care and economic opportunities for the 
tribe.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in an effort to being this 
matter to a speedy and successful vote on the floor of this House. For 
the sake of our country's credibility, for people of northeastern 
Wisconsin, and for the Menominee Nation, now is the time for this 
matter to be closed.

                          ____________________