Sandia Pueblo's land claim needs congressional OK, Wilson and Domenici say.

Byline: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Congressional approval is needed for any transfer of land on the west face of the Sandia Mountains to Sandia Pueblo, say Rep. Heather Wilson and Sen. Pete Domenici.

But David Mielke, an attorney for the pueblo, said a court order that could end up turning over the land to the tribe makes it clear that the acreage can be transferred without congressional approval.

"The secretary (of interior) has the authority to correct erroneous surveys of boundaries of Indian lands," he said.

The pueblo contends an 1850s survey shortchanged it almost 10,000 acres on the west face of the mountains.

U.S. District Judge …