[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E8]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF LOWER BRULE AND CROW CREEK TRIBAL COMPENSATION ACT

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                         HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Ms. HERSETH. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Lower 
Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act. This bill would fully 
compensate the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe 
in South Dakota for the lands that they lost in the last century as a 
result of the federal government's construction of the massive dams on 
the main stem of the Missouri River.
  The 1944 Flood Control Act cost these tribes much in terms of lost 
land. It also took an enormous toll on the people of both tribes and 
their economies. It is critically important that we seek to fully 
reimburse these tribes for the lands they lost.
  The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe are both 
constituent bands of the Great Sioux Nation. Both border on the 
Missouri River in central South Dakota and are connected by the Big 
Bend Dam.
  Congress created a trust fund for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in 1996, 
and a separate trust fund for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in 1997. 
These trust funds sought to compensate the tribes for the value of 
their land that is now permanently inundated as a result of the 
construction of the Big Bend Dam. Unfortunately, the compensation 
amounts between different but similarly situated tribes varied greatly 
along the Missouri River. The result was unfair and inadequate 
compensation trust funds for these tribes. This act is designed to 
create consistency among the affected tribes and to bring some long-
overdue closure to two tribes whose best lands were inundated decades 
ago.
  This legislation already has a history that spans multiple 
Congresses. An earlier version of this bill was reported by the Senate 
Committee on Indian Affairs in the 108th Congress and ultimately passed 
the Senate. In the 109th Congress it was amended in the Senate after 
further hearings and then reported. I am hopeful that the House will 
move quickly in the 110th to Congress to advance this important 
legislation.
  Compensation for these tribes would mean an ability to actively work 
for the betterment of their communities. It would mean adequate roads 
and improved community facilities. It would mean better health care and 
newer schools. It would mean attracting commercial business and 
improving the local economy. Most importantly, it would mean a real 
chance for these tribes to provide future generations with the tools 
that so many of us take for granted.
  I would ask all of my distinguished colleagues to support the Lower 
Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act and work with me to enact 
legislation that would fairly and appropriately compensate members of 
the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes. I ask you to do it because 
of the tremendous positive difference it would make in the lives of 
those affected--and because it is the right and fair thing to do.

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