Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB236

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the way tribal lands are managed under federal law. By extending the lease terms to up to 99 years, the legislation may encourage investment in the tribes' properties and contribute to economic growth. This change is anticipated to enhance the tribes' abilities to engage in long-term planning for housing, business development, and other essential community services, which have historically faced limitations under the previous leasing terms.

Summary

SB236 aims to amend the Long-Term Leasing Act of August 9, 1955, specifically to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land located within the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and for lands held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). This amendment seeks to provide clearer regulations and to accommodate the needs of these tribes regarding the management and leasing of their lands. By allowing longer lease terms, the bill is perceived as a step toward fostering economic development within these communities.

Contention

Notably, discussions around SB236 have highlighted the complexities surrounding tribal sovereignty and land use. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the implications of extended leasing on tribal autonomy. While proponents argue that longer leases will facilitate development and provide stability, opponents might contend that such measures could lead to an overreach of governmental authority in tribal affairs or potentially limit the tribes' control over their own land in the long term.

Congress_id

119-S-236

Policy_area

Native Americans

Introduced_date

2025-01-23

Companion Bills

US HB681

Related This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.

Previously Filed As

US SB5559

A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

US HB10492

To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

US HB1246

To authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for federally recognized Indian Tribes.

US SB563

A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.

US HB1208

To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.

US SB5621

A bill to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for activities to increase the availability of child care options and to support the child care workforce, and for other purposes.

US SB4301

A bill to grant States and Indian Tribes the authority to waive the 2-year foreign residence requirement for educators in rural and Tribal areas, and for other purposes.

US SB5636

A bill to ensure progress toward the fulfillment by the Federal Government of its trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans and Tribal governments, and for other purposes.

US SB1287

A bill to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering activities of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community, and for other purposes.

US SB1286

A bill to amend the Siletz Reservation Act to address the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering activities of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.