Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - February 14, 2005)

By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Mr. JOHNSON):

S. 374. A bill to provide compensation to the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Tribal Parity Act. I am proud to be joined by my colleague from South Dakota, Senator JOHNSON, in introducing this legislation.

Several Indian tribes that border the Missouri River in South Dakota have been compensated for damage to their tribal lands caused by Pick-Sloan projects. Unfortunately, the compensation provided to those tribes has not been consistent. This legislation will allow the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes to be fairly compensated.

The Tribal Parity Act passed the Senate three times during the 108th Congress, after being reported out of the Indian Affairs Committee without objection. This legislation has also been endorsed by the Governor of my home State, Governor Rounds, and a similar bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I am committed to working with my colleagues to get this compensation for the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes. I hope we can pass it in an expeditious manner and send it to the House for timely consideration.

http://thomas.loc.gov