H.R. 375 fixes a problem created by a U.S. Supreme Court decision when it comes to how land is placed in tribal trusts. It reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the federally recognized native tribes. Congressman Tom Cole and Congresswoman Betty McCollum are the sponsors of the bill.
The House passed the measure this week.
“Despite a misguided Supreme Court opinion 10 years ago that jeopardized ownership of tribal trust lands and questioned the authority of the Secretary of Interior, I am encouraged progress has been made to reverse it and rightly restore 75 years of past precedent,” said Cole. “While the federal government and tribal nations have at times had a battered and troubled relationship, this legislative action in the House symbolizes desire to keep the promises made to tribes, respect their sovereign status and repair damage done.”
“Today, the House voted to ensure that we are able to fulfill one of our country’s most sacred commitments to tribal nations,” said McCollum. “This legislative fix will make it clear that the federal government’s ability to restore tribal homelands extends to all 573 federally recognized tribes, and I am honored to have worked hand-in-hand with Congressman Cole to lead this effort.”
It is the first time since the legislation was introduced in 2011 that it passed out of the House.
