Indian Affairs Committee Approves Bills Aimed at Addressing Federal Recognition, Land Settlement, and Streamlining the Leasing Process

Press Release

Today the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), approved legislation to extend federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Montana, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and six tribes located in Virginia. The legislation will make these tribes eligible for all the rights and privileges afforded to federally recognized tribes.

In addition, the Committee approved the Quileute Indian Tribe Tsunami and Flood Protection Act and the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act of 2011 (HEARTH Act).

"I am pleased that the Committee approved these bills which are instrumental in changing the lives of Native peoples," said Chairman Akaka. "I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to secure enactment."

The HEARTH Act was amended to include S. 676, the Carcieri Fix bill. The amendment reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take lands into trust for all federally-recognized Indian tribes. The Carcieri fix is a top priority for the Administration, Indian tribes and the Committee. Chairman Akaka noted that the amendment is the same language that was approved by the Committee as a stand-alone bill in April. "The language merely reaffirms the intent of the Indian Reorganization Act as it has been carried out for the past 75 years," Akaka said.

Source