Reid looks to add Cobell settlement to small-business bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday said he would try to amend the small-business jobs bill with a provision rectifying the federal government’s mishandling of Native Americans’ land trust accounts. 

Reid also indicated that he would address a long-standing discrimination case against black farmers.

Together, these measures are expected to cost $4.6 billion over 10 years, which would be fully offset. 

The small-business bill creates a $30 billion lending pool for small businesses and provides up to $14 billion in tax relief.

Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate are currently hashing out which amendments will be offered. 

Reid hopes to complete action on the bill this week.