HELENA, Mont.—A Wyoming senator says he won’t withdraw an amendment to a proposed $3.4 billion government settlement with American Indians. That’s despite both sides in the class-action lawsuit saying the changes could scuttle the deal.
The lawsuit accuses the government of mismanaging revenue held in trust for Indian landowners. The proposed agreement calls for the Interior Department to distribute money to hundreds of thousands of Indians.
The Senate faces a June 15 deadline to approve the deal.
Republican Sen. John Barrasso has suggested some revisions, including capping attorney fees at $50 million.
The Obama administration told Senate leaders any changes could nullify the agreement.
Barrasso said Thursday his amendment only strengthens the deal.
