The Speaker of the House of Representatives wrote to Mrs. Hazel Bretz regarding her concerns about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers taking portions of the Osage Tribal mineral estate for reservoir construction projects. The Osage Tribal Council has been in conflict with the Department of the Interior over this issue, and legal proceedings are underway to determine compensation for the loss of the mineral estate. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the Superintendent of the Osage Agency are working to provide current information and updates on the situation.