the importance of partnerships between the Federal Government, local governments, and private entities to be able to implement this, the importance of standards.

Thank you very much, Mr. Clarke.

A lot of conversation as to what we need to get done here with the implementation of this, and I think in the end what we can all certainly agree on is that we all want to make sure that we have more consistent treatment, better outcomes…

That tribal trust lands are not subject to taxation has been settled law for some time.

This guidance is most welcome. It is now beyond dispute that these payments should be tax exempt as they originated as damages in part as a result of the Federal Government's mismanagement of tribal trust accounts.

Let me be clear: As a matter of Federal Indian tax policy based on over a century of treaties, respect for tribal sovereignty and empowerment of tribe self-determination, funds derived from trust resources that are distributed on a per…

Why is there a difference in policy from November 18, 2011, to April 3, 2012?

I would like to know why we are hearing reports from tribal leaders testifying today that IRS action in the field is not consistent with existing tax policy.

Tribal governments, like State and local entities, are not subject to Federal taxation.

In its recent guidance on the tax-exempt status of settlement funds, the IRS relied on, I quote, 'the source of funds and origins of claims principles in making its determination.'

Shouldn't per capita income derived from trust resources be similarly tax exempt?

So it seems to me that is why we are here today. It is not to simplify the question. It changes what is tax exempt and direction to constituencies.