The latest federal judge to oversee the Cobell Indian trust fund lawsuit believes Congress should approve the Obama administration’s proposed $3.4 billion settlement – despite some tribal objections.
Judge Thomas Hogan, new to the case this summer, said at the first status conference hearing that the settlement was in the best interests of Indian beneficiaries and the federal government.
“The disappointment of not having the legislation implemented is great,” Hogan said, adding that he would wait until Oct. 15 for Congress to take action.
The House to date has approved the deal twice, while the Senate has not been able to strike a deal.
