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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith testified in favor of proposed legislation that would settle the Cherokees’ claims against the federal government for unauthorized use of the section of the Arkansas Riverbed owned by the Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations.

Smith testified at a hearing for HR 3534 in the House Resources Committee. HR 3534 was introduced by Brad Carson, (D-Okla.), Wes Watkins, (R-Okla.), Steve Largent (R-Okla.) and Dale Kildee, (D-Michigan), and has bi-partisan support. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle also testified in favor of the bill.

"The bill would settle the three Nations’ damage claims against the United States now pending in the Court of Federal Claims, and it would give them, in a single lump sum, the past and future fair rental value of the lands being used for the two powerheads that were constructed on tribal lands on the bed of the Arkansas," Smith said. "The bill would also compensate the Nations for the lands being occupied by adjacent landowners and other potential claimants in the lower segments of the River."

Currently, private citizens, including some members of the Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, occupy 7,750 acres of tribal riverbed land. This settlement would keep those Oklahoma citizens from court proceedings to remove them from that land. According to Watkins’ statement at the hearing, those court proceedings would be very costly to the government as well as the individuals involved, and would take many years to resolve.

"HR 3534 will be of great benefit not only to the people of the Cherokee Nation, but also to many non-Indian citizens of Oklahoma as well," Smith said.

The bill does not affect the ownership status of the Arkansas Riverbed, which would remain with the Cherokee, Choctaws and Chickasaw Nations. The bill would allow tribes to use settlement money to reacquire trust land and provide services to their citizens.