John Thune: “It is no secret that the federal government has failed its responsibility in handling American Indian trust funds. But…”

“It is no secret that the federal government has failed its responsibility in handling American Indian trust funds. But parties, Republicans and Democrats, agree that the government has mismanaged these trust funds and there is definite need for reform. Previously, trust reform legislation has passed Congress twice. In addition, a Task Force is currently working with Members of Congress, the Administration and the tribal communities on how to best reform how Indian Trust Funds are managed. Unfortunately, current provisions in this bill would limit true fund reform. By accepting the provisions in the Interior bill, Congress must assume that the records and accounting are correct prior to 1985. This is hard to believe, due to the fact that the trust funds have been mismanaged for decades. The Federal Government is responsible for these funds, and to simply suggest that everything is perfect prior to 1985 is a slap in the face to our Native Americans. Through legislation, Congress has asked for historical accounting of these trust funds and a Federal Court has ordered it as well. The provisions in the bill would overturn legislation already passed and could possibly open up the government to even more lawsuits. It is imperative for historical accounting to take place, which includes the years and decades prior to 1985. The issue of Trust Fund reform is extremely important to me and the Tribes I represent in the state of South Dakota.”