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. | ChamberLight
Bills · S 236
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 236Federal-Indian relationsLand use and conservation
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.
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION MAY 20
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it impacts the economic self-sufficiency and development potential of Native American tribes. Longer lease terms are crucial for attracting significant investment in housing, commercial ventures, and infrastructure projects on tribal lands. Banks and investors are often hesitant to finance projects on lands with short-term leases because the return on investment might not be realized within that limited timeframe.
If this bill becomes law, these two Wampanoag tribes could pursue larger, more stable development projects, potentially creating jobs and improving living conditions for their members. If it doesn't pass, they would remain constrained by shorter lease terms, which can be a significant hurdle for long-term planning and economic growth, limiting their ability to fully utilize their land for the benefit of their communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Amends the Act of August 9, 1955 (the "Long-Term Leasing Act").
This is the legislative mechanism used to change the existing law regarding tribal land leases.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation.
This grants the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe the ability to offer significantly longer leases, promoting long-term development.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
This grants the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) the same expanded leasing authority, supporting their economic growth.
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
Senate BillS 236Federal-Indian relationsLand use and conservation
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.
Voters should care about this bill because it impacts the economic self-sufficiency and development potential of Native American tribes. Longer lease terms are crucial for attracting significant investment in housing, commercial ventures, and infrastructure projects on tribal lands. Banks and investors are often hesitant to finance projects on lands with short-term leases because the return on investment might not be realized within that limited timeframe.
If this bill becomes law, these two Wampanoag tribes could pursue larger, more stable development projects, potentially creating jobs and improving living conditions for their members. If it doesn't pass, they would remain constrained by shorter lease terms, which can be a significant hurdle for long-term planning and economic growth, limiting their ability to fully utilize their land for the benefit of their communities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
med
Amends the Act of August 9, 1955 (the "Long-Term Leasing Act").
This is the legislative mechanism used to change the existing law regarding tribal land leases.
high
Authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation.
This grants the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe the ability to offer significantly longer leases, promoting long-term development.
high
Authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
This grants the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) the same expanded leasing authority, supporting their economic growth.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Long-Term Leasing Act
A 1955 federal law that originally set the terms for how long Native American tribes could lease their lands, generally 25 years, with some exceptions allowing longer terms for specific tribes.
Trust Land
Land that is legally owned by the United States government but is held for the benefit of a Native American tribe or individual tribal members, managed under specific federal laws and regulations.
Reservation
A specific area of land set aside by the U.S. government for the use and occupation of a Native American tribe, managed by the tribe itself under federal oversight.
Lease
A legal agreement where a property owner (in this case, a tribe or the U.S. government on behalf of a tribe) allows another party to use their land or property for a set period in exchange for rent or other payments.
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTS
MAY 20
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.