[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16051]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF ELOUISE COBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elouise Cobell who 
passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011. This extraordinary individual 
led a 15 year fight on behalf of nearly 500,000 Native Americans who 
had their trusts mismanaged by the federal government.
  Elouise Cobell filed a lawsuit in 1996 seeking justice for herself 
and the half million other American Indians who had their assets 
mismanaged by the U.S. Department of the Interior. After a lengthy 
battle in the courts, a $3.4 billion settlement was announced in 
December 2009.
  However, the fight was not over for Elouise Cobell. While a 
settlement was reached, Congress would still have to authorize payment 
for the settlement.
  I was proud to support the Claims Resolution Act when it came before 
the House on November 30, 2010. This legislation authorized $3.4 
billion to settle the lawsuit, which became known as Cobell v. Salazar. 
The Claims Resolution also established a $60 million education 
scholarship fund for Native American children. President Obama signed 
the Claims Resolution Act into law on December 8, 2010. This law came 
about because of Elouise Cobell's dedication in pursuing justice for 
the Native American community.
  Mr. Speaker, California is home to over 100 federally recognized 
tribes. These tribes will reap the benefits of the works of Elouise 
Cobell.
  I am also a proud member of the Native American Caucus. Elouise 
Cobell's dedication and courage is not just an inspiration to Native 
Americans, but to all Americans. Her work will not only benefit 
American Indians now, but also the generations that follow.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring and 
celebrating the life of Elouise Cobell.

                          ____________________