Dorgan bill aims to help tribes hurt by dams

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The chairman of the U.S. Senate's Indian Affairs Committee says he wants to resolve claims by seven American Indian tribes whose lands were flooded when Missouri River dams were built.

Sen. Byron Dorgan has introduced a bill that would establish a commission to hold hearings and study the issue.

The North Dakota Democrat says the commission would make recommendations to Congress and federal officials on a comprehensive resolution of tribal claims.

Dorgan says tribes received some compensation for lost lands, but each tribe was compensated differently and some promises remain unfulfilled.

The three other senators in the Dakotas are co-sponsors of the bill.

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