Matteo Renzi: “Mr. Speaker, S. 162 authorizes a plan for the distribution of a $7 million dollar final judgment award to eligible…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 162 authorizes a plan for the distribution of a $7 million dollar final judgment award to eligible members of the Gila River Indian community. Pursuant to the Indian Tribal Judgment Funds Use or Distribution Act, the Secretary of the Interior must submit to Congress for approval a plan for the use and distribution of such judgment awards. In 1951 the community filed a complaint before the Indian Claims Commission claiming failure of the United States to protect the community's use of water from the Gila and Salt Rivers. After the Commission and the Court of Claims found the United States liable to the community, the community agreed to a monetary settlement in the amount of $7 million. Final judgment was entered against the United States in that amount. This legislation represents the final step in resolving the litigation and is a product of close consultation between the community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I urge its adoption.”