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THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2003

The Senate's confirmation of Ross Swimmer as special trustee at the Department of Interior only makes the trust fund debacle worse, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader says in an editorial today.

The paper cites Swimmer's lack of support in Indian Country. Although the former assistant secretary received backing from the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma and two other tribes, the tribes with the largest trust assets opposed him.

"Senators might have the gratitude of the Bush administration for their confirmation, but they've really done nothing except make this debacle worse," the paper says.

Get the Story:
Senate worsens mess over Indian trust fund (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 4/17)

Roll Call:
Senate Vote on Ross O. Swimmer (April 10, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com

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Ross Swimmer confirmed as special trustee (4/11)
Swimmer still not confirmed as special trustee (4/7)
Senate panel approves Ross Swimmer nomination (03/06)
Swimmer says role in trust reform not conflicted (3/5)
Senate committee to take up Ross Swimmer again (3/4)
Daschle statement in opposition to Swimmer (3/4)
Senate committee to take up Ross Swimmer again (3/4)
Swimmer confirmation delayed (2/27)
DOI says Swimmer ready to answer questions (2/27)
Campbell asked to delay vote on Ross Swimmer (2/26)
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Swimmer says he will be independent trustee (02/13)
Swimmer spoof rings true for some (2/12)
Swimmer slow to recall Reagan era 'fallout' (01/17)
Swimmer was promised BITAM job (1/16)
Tribes moving to oppose Swimmer nomination (01/06)
Unfit officials stick it to Indians again (12/09)
A super assistant secretary, in all but name (05/03)
Swimmer legacy still haunts BIA (02/12)
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