On the recordAugust 5, 2010
We do need to settle the Cobell lawsuit. I ask the leaders to, over the next couple weeks, come together and allow for a very limited debate, possibly a few amendments on the floor, and then an up-or-down vote. That is the sort of thing we need to do--in the light of day--with the Members of the Senate, not something that continues to be brought forth with the goal of getting a unanimous-consent agreement. I think the ideas I have brought forward are good. They come forward because those are the ideas I have had brought to me through various tribes from around the country who have concerns about the settlement. I think it is reasonable to ask the Senate to have a discussion on this and then a vote. If the Senate, in its wisdom, decides that is what they want and they want to pass this as written, then the will of the Senate has been worked.
