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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2003

Congress gave final approval on Thursday to a massive appropriations bill that also settles Sandia Pueblo's claim to 10,000 acres of land in New Mexico.

Sens. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) shepherded the deal through Congress. They said were pleased that long-running dispute will soon be resolved.

"This is terrific news," said Domenici of yesterday's vote. "A final settlement on the issue is close to becoming a reality."

"Only the president's signature is needed to make the settlement official, and I hope that will happen in a matter of days," added Bingaman.

The tribe filed suit in federal court, claiming the land, located on the Western face of the Sandia Mountains, was wrongly excluded from its reservation. A federal judge ordered the Department of Interior to resurvey the boundaries.

The settlement terminates the court action and gives the tribe civil and criminal jurisdiction over the land. But title will remain with the federal government.

Get the Bill:
H.J.RES.2 | Full Report

Relevant Links:
Sandia Pueblo - http://www.sandiapueblo.nsn.us

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