Carcieri v. Salazar - Legislative "Fix" Proposed

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., Senate Indian Affairs Committee chairman, introduced legislation in the Senate Sept. 24 to amend the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act.

The bill affirms the Interior secretary’s authority to take land into trust for all tribes, regardless of when they were recognized, Dorgan said in his introductory statement.

“Inaction by Congress could significantly impact development projects on Indian trust lands, including the building of homes and community centers; result in a loss of jobs in an already challenging economic environment, and create costly and unnecessary litigation,” Dorgan said.

Dorgan also beleives that if the Supreme Court decision is allowed to stand, it would create two classes of Indian tribes – a situation that “is unacceptable and is contrary to prior acts of Congress.”