111th Congress (2009-2010) Legislation
Legislation That Became Law in the 111th Congressional Session
Title: Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. ("stimulus bill")
Sponsors: Rep Obey, David R. [WI-7]
Committees: House Appropriations, House Budget
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-5
Summary: The Stimulus bill has several sections which directly affect Native American communities.
Related News and Information: Indian Country to benefit from stimulus funds (Fort Mill Times) 07/09/09. Tribe nets $900K stimulus (Cortez Journal) Tribes look to $3B share of stimulus funds (USA Today) 5/12/09. BIA announces stimulus funds for 12 regional offices (Indianz.com) 5/5/09. Flandreau Indian school to receive $23 million (Keloland.com) 4/30/09. New Montana's tribes will receive $17 million in stimulus money (Greatfallstribune.com) 4/28/09. Nebraska Indian tribes to get $800,000 in stimulus funds (OmahaWorld-Herald) 4/28/09. National Congress of American Indians information on Indian Country Works. " Interior Secretary announces $500M for tribes. (USA Today) 4/25/09. Stimulus funds go to California tribes (The Daily Triplicate) 4/21/09. N.D. Tribes get $9 million in stimulus money (Grand Forks Herald) 4/17/09. Secretary Salazar announces $1 billion economic recovery investment in America's water infrastructure. (Recovery.gov) 4/15/09. DoJ announces Indian country stimulus allocations (Indian Country Today) 4/10/09. President?s budget dramatically increases money to Indian country (Indian Country Today) 3/6/09.
Title: To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6]
Related Bills: H.RES.52 H.RES.107 S.275
Committees: House Eneregy and Commerce, House Ways and Means, House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-3
Summary: (Sec. 202) Amends SSA title XI to provide for increased outreach and enrollment of Indians in CHIP and Medicaid.
Waives the 10% cap on CHIP payments for outreach with respect to any expenditures for outreach activities to families of Indian children likely to be eligible for child health assistance under the state Medicaid plan or related waivers.
Title: An act to designate certain land as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12]
Related Bills: Too many bills to list here. Click on H.R.146 link for all of them.
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-11
Summary: Designates specified federal lands in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, as wilderness and as either a new component, or an addition to an existing component, of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Related News and Information: Senate Passes Bill Containing
Navajo Water Projects and Agreements (Navajo
Nation) 3/19/09. New law settles tribal water
rights (Indian
Country Today) 4/13/09.
Title: To protect Indian arts and crafts through the improvement of applicable criminal proceedings, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009'. [Tribal Law and Order Act was merged with this.]
Sponsor: Rep Pastor, Ed
Related Bill: S.151 H.R. 1924 (Law and Order Act was merged with this bill.)
Committees: House Natural Resources, House Judiciary House Report 111-397
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-211
Summary: [Tribal Law and Order Act was merged with this Act.] Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to: (1) authorize any federal law enforcement officer to conduct an investigation of an offense involving the sale of any good that is misrepresented as an Indian produced good or product that occurs within the jurisdiction of the United States; and (2) authorize the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to refer such an alleged offense to any federal law enforcement officer (currently, just to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)) for appropriate investigation. Permits a federal law enforcement officer to investigate such an alleged offense regardless of whether such officer receives a referral from the Board.
Title: To transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act'.
Sponsor: Rep Dicks, Norman D. [WA-6]
Related Bill: S.443
Committees: House Natural Resources House Report 111-306
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-323
Summary: Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain federal and nonfederal land in Washington to the Hoh Indian Tribe, to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe. Prohibits on such land: (1) the placement of commercial, residential, or industrial buildings; (2) logging and hunting activities; or (3) gaming.
Related News and Information: Hoh tribe makes case for land to move reservation (Nativetimes.com) 4/28/09. Hoh Indians head for higher ground (Indian Country Today) 1/13/09. Besieged by water, Hoh tribe seeks 37 acres of Olympic National Park (The Seattle Times) 03/08/10
Title: A bill to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93-531, commonly known as the "Bennett Freeze".
Sponsor: Sen McCain, John. [AZ]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Related Bill: H.R.1762
Latest Major Action: 4/21/2009, passed/agreed to in House. Became Public Law 111-18
Summary: Amends federal law to repeal the requirement regarding the freeze on the development of lands in litigation under the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of 1974.
Related News and Iinformation: Obama
signs Bennett Freeze repeal. (Navajo
Times) 5/14/09. Repeal of Bennett Freeze spurs
hope for economic development. (Indian
County Today) 4/28/09. Statement by Senator
McCain on final passage of S.39. (Press
release) 4/21/09.
Title: CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Dodd, Christopher J. [CT]
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Senate Report:
111-378
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-320
Summary: CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Reauthorizes the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) through FY2015, and revises requirements for: (1) the child abuse prevention and treatment advisory board; (2) the national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse; (3) research and assistance activities; and (4) specified grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and public or private agencies and organizations, including community-based grants.
Reauthorizes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act through FY2015, and revises grant requirements. Directs the Secretary to award formula grants to states and Indian tribes to assist in supporting programs and projects, including through subgrants.
Directs the Secretary to award grants for: (1) the establishment of two national resource centers and at least seven special issue resource centers; (2) a National Resource Center on Domestic Violence; and (3) specialized services for abused parents and their children.
Revises requirements for grants for State Domestic Violence Coalitions and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative five-year agreements with State Domestic Violence Coalitions for local community projects to prevent family, domestic, and dating violence, using a coordinated community response model and through prevention and education programs.
Reauthorizes through FY2015 the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988.
Title: Claims Resolution Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Levin, Sander M. [MI-12] (introduced 3/9/2010)
Co-Sponsors: Rep Becerra, Xavier [CA-31], Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1], Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3], Rep Brady, Kevin [TX-8], Rep Camp, Dave [MI-4], Rep Clyburn, James E.[SC-6], Rep Crowley, Joseph [NY-7], Rep Diaz-Balart, Mario [FL-25], Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25], Rep Etheridge, Bob [NC-2], Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2], Rep Higgins, Brian [NY-27], Rep Larson, John B. [CT-1], Rep Lewis, John [GA-5], Rep Meek, Kendrick B. [FL-17], Rep Neal, Richard E. [MA-2], Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8], Rep Pomeroy, Earl [ND], Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15], Rep Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6], Rep Schwartz, Allyson Y. [PA-13], Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8]
Related Bills: H.RES.1736 , H.R.845, H.R,1065, H.R.3254, H.R.3342, H.R.3563, H.R.4462, H.R.4467, H.R.4468, S.375, S.965, S.1105, S.2931, S.2936 , S.3754
Committees: House Ways and Means, House Budget, Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-291
Summary: Summary is too long to list here. See: Summary of H.R.4783 (PDF Format)
Related News and Information: Senate Funds Black Farmers, Native American Settlements, NPR, December 21, 2010;
Cobell settlement signed by Obama, ArgusLeader.com, December 09, 2010;
Pueblo tribes in New Mexico win approval for water settlements, Indianz.com, December 01, 2010;
Senate passes water rights settlements for tribes in three states, Indianz.com, November 22, 2010;
Senate Approves White Mountain Apache Water Rights Settlement, Jon Kyl, November 19, 2010,
Proposed legislation that did not pass during the 111th Congress
Business & Economics
Title: To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the assistance provided to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1]
Related Bill: H.R.2352
Committees: House Small Business
Latest Major Action: 11/20/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Summary: Native American Business Development Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish in the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, administered by a new SBA Associate Administrator, to increase Native American entrepreneurship.Authorizes the SBA's Administrator (acting through the Assiociate Administrator) to: (1) operate a Tribal Business Information Centers program that provides Native American populations with business training and entrepreneurial development assistance; (2) designate entities as centers; (3) contribute agency personnel and resources to the centers; and (4) make grants to the centers.Allows any eligible applicant to apply for an additional grant to assist with outreach, development, and enhancement on Indian lands of small business startups and expansions owned by Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. Requires, to be eligible, that the applicant be in a state in which the combined Indian Tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians make up at least 1% of the state's total population.
Title: Native American Economic Advisory Council Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK]
Related Bill: S.3331
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 5/27/2010. Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Native American Economic Advisory Council Act of 2010 - Establishes the Native American Economic Advisory Council to assist the Executive Office of the President and federal agencies to ensure that Native Americans have: (1) the means and capacity to benefit from economic stimulus and growth; and (2) opportunities to participate in federal economic development and job growth programs.
Directs the Council to: (1) prepare a compilation of successful business enterprises and joint ventures conducted by Native American organizations, including tribal ventures of Native Corporations in Alaska; and (2) periodically sponsor and arrange conferences and training workshops on Native American business activities.
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the head of a federal agency, in preparing the President's comments and recommendations to Congress about proposed legislation, to include an assessment of the legislation's economic impact on Native Americans.
Title: To eliminate the preferences and special rules for Alaska Native Corporations under the program under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
Sponsor: Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2]
Co-Sponsor: Rep Owens, William L. [NY-23]
Related Bill: S.3959
Committees: House Natural Resources House Small Business
Latest Major Action: 11/18/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to exclude from the definition of "Indian tribe" any Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) or Alaska Native Village (ANV).
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that, for purposes of eligibility for procurement contracts provided through the Small Business Administration (SBA), whether an ANC or ANV is socially or economically disadvantaged shall be determined by the SBA Administrator according to eligibility standards for SBA 8(a) general small business loans. Makes members of socially and economically disadvantaged ANCs or ANVs eligible for such loans.
Directs the Administrator to apply to small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV the competitive thresholds for awarding SBA sole source contracts that are applicable to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Prohibits the Administrator from extending or waiving, for small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV, the time limitations applicable to participants in the small business capital ownership development program. Outlines annual report requirements for program participants who are ANCs or ANVs.
Requires the Administrator to amend SBA regulations to incorporate amendments made by this Act.
Title: A bill to provide for and promote the economic development of Indian tribes by furnishing the necessary capital, financial services, and technical assistance to Indian-owned business enterprises, to stimulate the development of the private sector of Indian tribal economies, and for other purposes.
Sponsors: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI]
Related Bill: H.R. 1607
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2010 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Indian Affairs. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-628. 2:15 p.m.
Summary: Indian Development Finance Corporation Act - Establishes the Indian
Development Finance Corporation to take certain actions, including: (1)
providing development capital through financial services under this Act; (2)
encouraging the development of new and existing Indian business enterprises
eligible to receive assistance from the Corporation; and (3) otherwise assisting
in strengthening Indian tribal economies through the development of Indian
business enterprises. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) make loans or commitments for loans to any Indian business enterprise; (2) purchase, insure, or discount any obligation of an Indian business enterprise if the enterprise meets specified requirements; (3) purchase, or make commitments to purchase, any portion of the equity or ownership interest in the Indian business enterprise for purposes of providing long-term capital and working capital; and (4) supervise or participate in the management of an Indian business enterprise in which such an investment has been made. Authorizes the Corporation to issue shares of stock. Requires the stock to be issued only to, and held only by, an Indian tribe or the federal government. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) initially subscribe to at least $20 million in stock and; and (2) beginning in FY2012, subscribe to $80 million in stock (unless the Corporation's board requests a smaller amount). Makes all stock subscribed to by the Secretary nonvoting and prohibits that stock from accruing dividends.
Related News and Information: Hawaii and Alaska Senators Introduce Native American Challenge Act (press release) 5/5/09. Parker: Tribal Development Bank legislation; an idea that's time has come (Indian Country Today) 3/3/10
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend existing elective tax treatment for Alaska Native Settlement Trusts.
Sponsor: Sen Murkowski, Lisa [AK] (introduced 4/2/2009)
Related Bill: H.R. 1381
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Summary: Makes provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation
Act of 2001 relating to the tax treatment and information requirements
of Alaska Native Settlement Trusts permanent.
Title: A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land.
Sponsor: Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Related Bills: H.R.4010
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report: 111-245
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-334 [PDF Unavailable 01/03/2010 - Will update when available]
Title: Small Business Investment and Innovation Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] (introduced 11/18/2010)
Co-Sponsor: Sen Cardin, Benjamin L. [MD]
Committees: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Latest Major Action: 11/18/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Summary: Small Business Investment and Innovation Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to assign within the Small Business Administration (SBA) a broadband and emerging information technology coordinator to assist small businesses in using broadband and other emerging information technologies.
Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a pilot program to provide up to 1,000 excess government-owned computers each year to rural small businesses at no cost or a reduced cost. Requires a report from the Administrator on ways to assist with the development of broadband and wireless technology that would benefit small businesses.
Reauthorizes for FY2011-FY2013 the SCORE program (the Service Corps of Retired Executives provides free mentoring and related services to small businesses).
Revises or adds provisions concerning SBA women's small business ownership programs, including: (1) requiring the Administrator to maximize the transparency of the women's business center financial assistance proposal process and programmatic and financial oversight process; (2) authorizing the Administrator to conduct projects to provide training and counseling designed to meet the business needs of women, especially socially and economically disadvantaged women; (3) reauthorizing for FY2011-FY2013 appropriations for activities of the National Women's Business Council, and requiring a partisan balance of Council members; (4) establishing a policy advisory group within the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise; and (5) directing the Comptroller General (CG) to conduct a study of the unique economic issues facing women's business centers located in rural or insular areas.
Establishes an Associate Administrator of the Office of Native American Affairs to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans and to establish Native American business centers. Requires each such center to conduct projects that offer culturally tailored Native American business development assistance.
Directs the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development to establish an online mechanism to provide information that assists veterans' assistance providers in carrying out their activities and to coordinate and leverage the work of such providers. Requires: (1) the SBA Administrator to establish a veterans' business center program to assist small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, including service-disabled veterans and reservists; and (2) a CG report on the ability of veteran-owned small businesses to access credit.
Increases certain loan limits under certain federal small business disaster relief and assistance programs. Reduces loan collateral requirements. Requires a report from the SBA Administrator on SBA regional outreach concerning disaster assistance programs.
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to allow the Administrator to guarantee small business surety bonds of up to $10 million.
Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) for each of four business industry categories a maximum net worth for socially disadvantaged individuals who own or control small businesses within that category; and (2) a surety bond pilot program for guaranteeing a surety against loss from a breach of bond terms by eligible small businesses.
Directs the Associate Administrator for International Trade to: (1) develop an online assessment tool that allows small businesses to assess their export readiness; and (2) conduct international trade and export outreach events designed to reach small businesses owned by veterans and women, as well as rural and socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Expands the state trade and export promotion grant program to cities and major metropolitan areas.
Provides certain regulatory relief for small businesses.
Back to Top
Community Development
Title: HEARTH Act of 2011 .
Sponsor: Rep Heinrich, Martin [NM-1] (introduced 1/6/2011)
Co-Sponsors: Co-Sponsors(4)
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home ownership Act of 2011 or HEARTH Act of 2011 - Extends to any Indian tribe the discretion granted under current law only to the Navajo Nation to lease restricted lands for business, agricultural, public, religious, educational, recreational, or residential purposes without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. (The Secretary must still approve the tribal regulations under which those leases are executed and mining leases still require the Secretary's approval.)
Sets forth the environmental review process required under tribal lease regulations before those regulations obtain the Secretary's approval. Requires the process to identify and evaluate any significant effects a proposed lease may have on the environment and allow public comment on those effects.
Allows tribes to rely on a federal environmental review process rather than the tribal environmental review process if the project under review is federally funded.
Title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to assess the irrigation infrastructure of the Rio Grande Pueblos in the State of New Mexico and provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the Rio Grande Pueblos to repair, rehabilitate, or reconstruct existing infrastructure, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Lujan Ben, Ray [NM-3]
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009, referred to the House Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Summary: Rio Grande Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to: (1) conduct a study of irrigation infrastructure for 18 Rio Grande Pueblos in New Mexico; and (2) develop a list of projects recommended to be implemented over a 10-year period to repair, rehabilitate, or reconstruct such infrastructure. (Provided by Congressional Research Service)
Title: Former Bennett Freeze Area Development Act.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1] (introduced 12/15/2010)
Co-Sponsor: None.
Committees: House Natural Resources House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 12/15/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary: Former Bennett Freeze Area Development Act - Requires the Commissioner of the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (ONHIR), by request of the Navajo Nation or the Hopi Tribe by tribal resolution, to enter into a self-determination contract or contracts with the requesting Indian tribe to plan, conduct, and administer programs, functions, services, or activities, including construction programs administered by the Commissioner that pertain directly to the requesting Indian tribe.
Establishes the Former Bennett Freeze Area Rehabilitation Trust Fund in the Treasury.
Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Navajo Nation solely for purposes which will contribute to the continuing rehabilitation and improvement of the economic, housing, infrastructure, health, educational, and social condition of families, and Navajo communities, that have been affected by the former Bennett Freeze.
Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out a rehabilitation program to redress the effects of federal development restrictions (Bennett Freeze) in the western portion of the Navajo Reservation, limited to housing construction and renovation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives.
Repeals requirements that: (1) the United States be reimbursed for funds appropriated to the Navajo Rehabilitation Trust Fund before its termination; and (2) the income derived by the Navajo Tribe from the surface and mineral estates of certain lands located in New Mexico acquired for the Tribe's benefit be used to reimburse the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury. Reauthorizes the Fund.
Grants the Navajo Nation the right to negotiate and approve an Accommodation Agreement with the Hopi Tribe for any Navajo head of household residing on Hopi Partitioned Land that has not otherwise entered into such Agreement but intends to remain on the Land.
Amends the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act of 1996 to grant any Navajo family that has entered into an Accommodation Agreement the right to: (1) relinquish that Agreement at any time up until the closure of the ONHIR; and after such relinquishment (2) receive the full relocation benefits to which the family would otherwise have been entitled had the family not signed such Agreement, including relocation housing, counseling, and other services.
Title: To provide the Quileute Indian Tribe Tsunami and Flood Protection, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Dicks, Norman D. [WA-6] (introduced 12/16/2010)
Co-Sponsor: None.
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/16/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Designates specified federal land within Olympic National Park, Washington, as wilderness or potential wilderness. Incorporates them within the Olympic Wilderness.
Removes certain federal land within the Park's Olympic Wilderness from inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Places specified federal land within the Park and specified nonfederal land owned by the Quileute Indian Tribe in trust for the Tribe. Includes those lands in the Quileute Indian Reservation.
Subjects portions of the federal land conveyed to the Tribe to easements and conditions that preserve the natural condition of the land and provide the public with recreational access to the land and Park.
Exempts land conveyed to the Tribe along the southern boundary of the Reservation from any easements or conditions. Allows that land to be altered to allow for the relocation of Tribe members and structures outside the tsunami and Quillayute River flood zones.
Extinguishes the Tribe's claims against the United States relating to the Park's past or present ownership, entry, use, surveys, or other activities upon the conveyance of the land to the Tribe and a formal Tribal Council resolution.
Title: To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a position for a representative of Indian Tribes on the Joint Board overseeing the implementation of universal service, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] (introduced 12/16/2010)
Co-Sponsors: Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45] (Five additional co-sponsors listed at the link to the bill above.)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 12/16/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Summary: Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require one member of the Federal-State Joint Board on universal service (recommends changes to universal service implementation regulations) to be a Tribal representative who is nominated by the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Office of Native Affairs and Policy and appointed by the FCC.
Title:Transportation Infrastructure Improvements on Federal Lands Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] (introduced 12/17/2010)
Co-Sponsor: None.
Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Major Action: 12/17/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Summary: Summary not yet available.
Title: A bill to reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009)
Related Bill: H.R.709
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009, referred to Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary:
Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2013 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.
Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2013 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.
Related News and Iinformation: Tight deadlines for tribal housing money (Indian Country Today) 3/6/09.
Title: A bill to expand the authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes located in Idaho and Nevada.
Sponsor: Sen Crapo, Mike [ID] (introduced 2/5/2009)
Committees: Senate Committee on Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 2/5/2009 Referred to Senate to the Committee on Armed Services.
Summary: Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009 to include Idaho and Nevada among specified states to which the Secretary of the Air Force may convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes.
Title: A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration program to adapt the lessons of providing foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to certain similarly situated individuals, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Murkowski, Lisa [AK]
Related Bill: H.R.2507
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action:
11/18/2010 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Summary: Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities.
Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination of poverty, strengthening good governance, entrepreneurship, and investment in Native American communities, and enhancing the capacity of Alaska Native communities to deal with climate change.
Title: Native American Employment Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary:Native American Employment Act of 2010 - Amends the Indian Financing Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a tier system of guaranteed or insured loans to Indian tribes for energy development or manufacturing jobs carried out on Indian lands.
Allows the Secretary to guarantee up to 100% of surety bonds issued to cover construction, renovation, or demolition work performed by an Indian individual or Indian economic enterprise.
Amends the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to revise requirements regarding Indian tribe or tribal organization plans to integrate employment, training, and related services programs. Requires their integration into a single, coordinated, comprehensive program.
Amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Administrator of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to establish the Native Initiatives as a component of the Fund. Declares the purposes of the Native Initiatives are to assist Native community development financial institutions to provide access to credit, capital, and financial services in Native communities.
Amends the Buy Indian Act to direct the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to require that: (1) Indian labor be employed; and (2) any contract to fulfill requirements for goods or services, manufacturing, or construction, renovation, or demolition work be awarded competitively to an Indian organization or economic enterprise.
Requires the Secretary to establish an Indian Economic Enterprise Data Center.
Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs. Directs the SBA Administrator to appoint an Associate Administrator of the Office to administer the Native American small business development program.
Requires the SBA, acting through the Associate Administrator, to establish Native American business centers to overcome obstacles impeding the establishment, development, and expansion of Native American small businesses and other underserved small businesses located on or near tribal land.
Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to require either the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of the Interior, or both, to establish a qualified school construction bond escrow account to which shall be allocated specified funds derived from qualified school construction bonds for construction, rehabilitation, and repair of schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Back to Top
Title: Native American Small Business Assistance and Entrepreneurial Growth Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA]
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Committees:
Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Summary: Native American Small Business Assistance and Entrepreneurial Growth Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, headed by an Associate Administrator, to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans. Requires the Office to assist Native American entrepreneurs to: (1) develop small businesses; (2) develop management and technical skills; (3) seek federal procurement opportunities; (4) increase Native American employment opportunities; and (5) increase Native American access to capital markets.
Requires: (1) SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal colleges, certain nonprofit organizations, and small business development or women's business centers to create Native American business centers; (2) each business center to conduct five-year projects for business education aid to such entities; and (3) each assistance applicant to submit a five-year plan on proposed assistance and training activities.
Title:
Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Baucus, Max [MT]
Latest Major Action: 9/20/2010 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 572.
Summary: Job Creation and Tax Cuts Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring tax expenditure provisions relating to infrastructure financing, energy, individuals, housing, businesses, health care, and disaster relief. Requires a report to Congress on each tax expenditure extended by this Act.
Makes technical corrections and other amendments to laws relating to pension funding.
Sets forth tax rules for the treatment of partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services. Treats as ordinary income or loss net income or loss from an investment services partnership interest.
Extends through 2020 the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate and increases such rate to 78 cents a barrel. Increases from $1 billion to $5 billion the per incident limitation on expenditures from such Trust Fund. Denies a tax deduction for the payment of punitive damages. Includes in taxpayer gross income punitive damages paid by an insurer.
Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and other statutes relating to health care assistance to individuals.
Provides additional funding for: (1) grants to states for youth activities, including summer employment; and (2) the Housing Trust Fund for low-income housing programs.
Individual Indian Money Account Litigation Settlement Act of 2010 - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Class Action Settlement Agreement dated December 7, 2009, in the case entitled Elouise Cobell et al. v. Ken Salazar. Establishes in the Treasury the Trust Land Consolidation Fund and the Indian Education Scholarship Holding Fund to carry out terms of the Settlement Agreement.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to carry out the terms of a settlement agreement to resolve claims raised in the cases consolidated in In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation, including Pigford claims (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture).
Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010 to authorize expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund for allocations of infrastructure funding to states.
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend through 2013 duty suspensions on certain cotton fabrics. Authorizes transfers from the Treasury to restore payment levels from the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to extend through 2012 trade adjustment assistance programs.
Extends through FY2011, and makes appropriations for, activities authorized by part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act (SSA), other than the Emergency Contingency Fund for State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs, in the manner authorized for FY2010, subject to the amendments made by this Act. Increases and extends through FY2011 grant funding to state courts to assess and improve handling of proceedings relating to foster care and adoption.
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to unemployment compensation program integrity.
Extends: (1) through December 31, 2019, fees for customs services in connection with processing of merchandise; and (2) through September 30, 2019, fees for custom services in connection with commercial vehicles.
Foreign-Held Debt Transparency and Threat Assessment Act - Requires: (1) the President to report to Congress quarterly on the risks posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments of the United States; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually on such risks; and (3) the Comptroller General to report annually on risks to the United States posed by the federal debt. Requires the President to formulate and implement a plan of action to reduce the risk posed by foreign holdings of debt instruments to U.S. long-term national security or economic stability.
Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Office of the Homeowner Advocate to assist homeowners, housing counselors, and housing lawyers in resolving problems with the Home Affordable Modification Program.
Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
Title:
A bill to eliminate the preferences and special rules for Alaska Native Corporations under the program under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
Sponsor: Sen McCaskill, Claire [MO] (introduced 11/17/2010)
Co-Sponsor: Sen Carper, Thomas R. [DE]
Latest Major Action:11/17/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Committees: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to exclude from the definition of "Indian tribe" any Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) or Alaska Native Village (ANV).
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that, for purposes of eligibility for procurement contracts provided through the Small Business Administration (SBA), whether an ANC or ANV is socially or economically disadvantaged shall be determined by the SBA Administrator according to eligibility standards for SBA 8(a) general small business loans. Makes members of socially and economically disadvantaged ANCs or ANVs eligible for such loans.
Directs the Administrator to apply to small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV the competitive thresholds for awarding SBA sole source contracts that are applicable to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Prohibits the Administrator from extending or waiving, for small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV, the time limitations applicable to participants in the small business capital ownership development program. Outlines annual report requirements for program participants who are ANCs or ANVs.
Requires the Administrator to amend SBA regulations to incorporate amendments made by this Act.
Back to Top
Title:
A bill to authorize appropriations for certain Native American programs.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] (introduced 12/1/2010)
Co-Sponsors: Sen Conrad, Kent [ND]
Sen Johnson, Tim [SD]
Latest Major Action:12/1/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Summary: Amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to reauthorize appropriations, through FY2016, for programs that: (1) promote the economic and social self-sufficiency of Native Americans; (2) improve the capability of their governing bodies to regulate environmental quality pursuant to federal and tribal environmental laws; and (3) assist Native Americans in ensuring the survival and continuing vitality of their languages.
Back to Top
Title:
Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act
Sponsor: Sen Reed, Jack [RI] (introduced 12/16/2010)
Co-Sponsors: Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Related Bills: S.4038
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action:12/16/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: Summary Not Yet Available.
Title:
Excellence in Mental Health Act
Sponsor: Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI] (introduced 12/16/2010)
Co-Sponsors: Sen Reed, Jack [RI]
Related Bills: S.4035
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action:12/16/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: Summary Not Yet Available.
Back to Top
Education
Title: The "English Plus Resolution"
Sponsor: Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] (introduced 1/6/2009)
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 3/6/2009, referred to House subcommittee, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Summary: Declares that the U.S. Government should pursue English-plus policies that: (1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities and access to information technologies; (2) conserve and develop the nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents of this country to learn or maintain skills in languages other than English; (3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures; (4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and (5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital American interests and individual rights, and oppose English-only measures and other restrictionist language measures.
Title: To provide for the issuance of bonds to provide funding for the construction of schools of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pomeroy, Earl [ND]
Committees: House Ways and Means House Education and Labor House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 1/27/2009, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Natural Resources.
Summary: Indian School Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes have the authority to issue tribal school modernization bonds to provide funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of tribal schools, including advance planning and design.
Title: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to strengthen mentoring programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53]
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 3/23/2009, referred to House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Summary: Includes mentoring in ESEA programs for: (1) Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native education; (2) the transitioning of youth offenders into education; and (3) school violence and drug abuse prevention.
Title: To require the Secretary of the Interior to plan, design, and construct
a new school at Third Mesa, Arizona, on the Hopi Indian Reservation.
Sponsor: Rep Franks, Trent [AZ-2]
Committees: House
Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 3/30/2009, referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Summary: Hopi School Replacement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to plan, design, and construct a new school at Third Mesa, Arizona, on the Hopi Indian Reservation, to replace the Hopi Day School and the Hotevilla Bacavi Community School, within three years after funds are made available for such purpose.
Title: To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible schools to assist such schools to discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction as a team name, mascot, or nickname, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6]
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 1/4/2010 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Summary: Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments - Directs the
Secretary of Education to make grants to elementary, secondary, and
post-secondary schools to assist them in discontinuing the use of a name or
depiction that is derogatory or discriminatory.Requires the Secretary to make subsequent grants to schools that received grants to discontinue objectionable names or depictions and to Indian schools for construction or renovation.Directs the Secretary to establish the Committee on Indian Relations within the Department of Education to: (1) determine which names and depictions are derogatory or discriminatory; (2) identify schools that use derogatory or discriminatory names or descriptions, and inform them of the availability of assistance in discontinuing their use; (3) assist the Secretary in awarding this Act's grants; and (4) provide cultural proficiency training at grantee schools.Lists Indians, Redskins, Braves, and Chiefs as derogatory or discriminatory names or depictions.
Related News and Information: Lawmaker seeks to abolish American Indians as sports mascots (PressofAtlanticCity.com) 11/30/09.
Title: To amend sections 14006 and 14007 of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 to reserve funds under the programs
established under such sections for payments to the Bureau of Indian
Education of the Department of the Interior for Indian children.
Sponsor: Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4]
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 2/23/2010 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Summary: Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of Education to reserve 1% to 5% of the amount reserved from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund for the State Incentive Grant program for a FY2010 grant to the Bureau of Indian Education of the Department of the Interior to carry out activities for Indian children that are consistent with that program. (That program makes incentive grants to states that make significant progress in addressing inequities in teacher distribution, establishing longitudinal education data systems, improving educational standards and assessments, and ensuring the improvement of failing schools.) Requires the Secretary to reserve 1% to 5% of the amount reserved from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund for the creation of an Innovation Fund for an award to the Bureau of Indian Education to carry out activities for Indian children that are consistent with the objectives of the Innovation Fund. (The Innovation Fund rewards certain educational entities that make significant progress in closing student achievement gaps.)
Title: A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize a connecting education and emerging professions demonstration grant program.
Sponsor: Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI]
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 1/8/2009, referred to Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: Requires such grants to be used to: (1) assess emerging industry pathways and the academic skills needed to succeed in them; (2) design school- and work-based curricula or programs to teach such skills; (3) implement the new curricula or programs in schools where at least 30% of the students are impoverished, that have graduation rates below their state's average, and whose community is experiencing significant or increased unemployment; and (4) evaluate best practices from such curricula or programs and disseminate them to other educational entities.
Title: A bill to establish a program for tribal colleges and universities within the Department of Health and Human Services and to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to authorize the provision of grants and cooperative agreements to tribal colleges and universities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Tester, Jon [MT]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 12/3/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Summary: Tribal Health Promotion and Tribal Colleges and Universities Advancement Act of 2009 - Through Higher Education: Promoting the Advancement of Tribal Health Act or THE PATH Act - Defines "tribal college or university" as having the meaning given the term by specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium for equitable Native American participation in HHS programs, services, and resources and to provide technical assistance to tribal colleges and universities.
Requires grants to, or cooperative agreements with, tribal colleges and universities for: (1) health and wellness fairs, health promotion and disease prevention programs, and programs to reduce tribal community health disparities; (2) developing and strengthening public health professional degree programs; (3) research, grant management, and coordination of tribal college and university activities; and (4) research on health promotion and disease prevention.
Establishes the Tribal College and University Rural Health Equity Endowment Fund to endow a tribal health professions workforce development program.
Advancing Tribes Through Tribal Colleges and Universities Act or the AT TCUs Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require the Secretary of Labor to establish the TCU Native Prosperity Program of grants to, or cooperative agreements with, tribal colleges and universities for economic development, entrepreneurship, community development, and sound fiscal leadership in Indian communities.
Title: A bill to amend the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to reauthorize a provision relating to additional contract authority for States with Indian reservations.
Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Committees: Senate Enviroment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009, read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Summary: Indian School Bus Route Safety Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2015 for allocations to states for Indian reservation roads.
Title: A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding
highly qualified teachers, growth models, adequate yearly progress, Native
American language programs, and parental involvement, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Murkowski, Lisa [AK]
Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 7/9/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: School Accountability Improvements Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) that are unable to provide a small, rural, or remote school with a highly-qualified on-site classroom teacher for a core academic subject to use distance education provided by a teacher who is highly qualified in the subject, provided a teacher who is highly-qualified in another subject is present in the classroom to assist students during the distance education. Allows states to use a growth model in calculating whether students are making adequately yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards if the state plan ensures their attainment of proficiency within certain periods of time. Gives schools which are identified as needing improvement an extra year to make AYP before being required to allow student transfers. Limits the transfer option to students who do not meet proficiency standards. Permits LEAs identified as needing improvement to provide supplemental educational services themselves. Allows schools and LEAs identified as needing improvement due to an underperforming disabled or limited English proficient (LEP) student subgroup to limit their improvement plan to such failing subgroup. Eliminates the requirements that schools face corrective action or restructuring and LEAs face corrective action because of such a subgroup's underperformance, if AYP can be shown using a growth model that counts students who are on track to attain proficiency by their final year in secondary school. Requires AYP measurements of certain schools providing Native language instruction to kindergarten through second grade children in states with no AYP assessment in such language to exclude grade three results and employ a growth model requiring progress toward proficiency by seventh grade. Allows partnerships receiving subgrants for preparing, recruiting, and training teachers and principals to include parent teacher organizations and use funds for activities enhancing parental involvement.
Back to Top
Federal Indian Relations
Title: Entitled the "English Plus Resolution".
Sponsor: Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] (introduced 1/7/2011)
Related Bill: None.
Committees: House Education and the Workforce
Latest Major Action: 1/7/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Summary: Declares that the U.S. government should pursue English-plus policies that: (1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities and access to information technologies; (2) conserve and develop the nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents of this country to learn or maintain skills in languages other than English; (3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures; (4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and (5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital American interests and individual rights, and oppose English-only measures and other restrictionist language measures.
Title: To acknowledge a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies by the United States Government regarding Indian tribes and offer an apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States.
Sponsor: Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2]
Related Bill: S.J.Res.14
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009, referred to House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Recognizes the special legal and political relationship the Indian tribes have with the United States and the solemn covenant with the land we share. Commends and honors the Native Peoples for the thousands of years that they have stewarded and protected this land. Recognizes that there have been years of official depredations, ill-conceived policies, and the breaking of covenants by the U.S. government regarding Indian tribes.
Apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on them by U.S. citizens.
Expresses the regret of the United States for the ramifications of former wrongs and its commitment to build on the positive relationships of the past and present to move toward reconciliation.
Urges the President to acknowledge the wrongs of the United States against Indian tribes in U.S. history.
Commends the state governments that have begun reconciliation efforts with recognized Indian tribes located in their boundaries, and encourages all state governments to do the same.
Prohibits anything in this Joint Resolution from authorizing or supporting any claim against the United States or serving as a settlement of any claim against the United States.
Related News and Information: Senators to Indians: We're sorry (Argusleader.com) 8/07/09
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/5/2011)
Co-Sponsors: Co-Sponsors(23)
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 1/5/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Deems members of the Tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland Counties in North Carolina to be within the delivery area for such services.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe.
Prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities.
Requires North Carolina to exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on North Carolina lands owned by, or held in trust for, the Lumbee Tribe or any dependent Indian community of the Tribe.
Title: To designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA-45]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Related Bills: H.R.146 S.22
Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009, referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Summary: California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act of 2009 - Designates the following lands in California as wilderness: (1) certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Cleveland National Forest, to be part of the Agua Tibia Wilderness; (2) specified lands in the San Bernardino National Forest to be known as the Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness and the South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness and certain BLM land in such Forest as part of the Santa Rosa Wilderness; (3) certain BLM land in Riverside County, to be known as the Beauty Mountain Wilderness; (4) certain land in JoshuaTree National Park, to be part of the Joshua Tree Wilderness; (5) certain BLM land in the county as part of the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness (excluding specified corridors); (6) certain BLM land in the county as part of the Palen/McCoy Wilderness; (7) certain BLM land in the county to be known as the Pinto Mountains Wilderness; and (8) certain BLM land in the county as part of the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness
Title: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] (introduced 1/20/2011)
Co-Sponsors:
Rep Cuellar, Henry [TX-28]
Rep Kissell, Larry [NC-8]
Committees:
House Oversight and Government Reform
House Rules
House Budget
House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 1/20/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, the Budget, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require reports on federal mandates to include: (1) an assessment of the prospective costs of carrying out changes to a condition of federal assistance being imposed on participating state, local, or tribal governments and how these costs compare with the funds being authorized; (2) for reauthorizations, an assessment of the additional costs of changes in those conditions compared with the changes in funding being authorized; (3) in cases where a bill or joint resolution provides necessary sums, an estimate of that amount; and (4) an identification and description of any reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to such governments or the private sector from implementing the federal mandate.
Repeals a provision excluding independent regulatory agencies from reporting requirements.
Makes requirements under this Act applicable to general notice of any final rule that includes such a mandate.
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the Indian employment credit and the depreciation rules for poverty used predominantly within an Indian reservation.
Sponsor: Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2]
Related Bill: S.288
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 1/13/2009, referred to House committee on Ways and Means.
Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the Indian employment tax credit; and (2) accelerated depreciation of business property used on Indian reservations.
Title: To express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians, to provide a process for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian government and the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian government, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1]
Related Bill: H.R.1711, H.R.2314, S.381, S.708 S.1011
Committees: House Natural Resources; House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 7/23/2009
referred to House subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Summary: Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Affairs (Office) within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Attorney General to designate a Department of Justice official to assist the Office in the implementation and protection of the rights of Native Hawaiians and their political, legal, and trust relationship with the United States.
Related News Stories: SAmerican Bar Association sends letter to all 100 U.S. Senators urging support for the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Targeted News Service) 10/02/10. Senate Indian Affairs Committee To Consider "Carcier Fix", Native Hawaiian Reorganization Bills, Conduct Hearing On Cobell Settlement (Indian Affairs) 12/17/09. 'Akaka Bill' Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act Reintroduced in Senate and House (Llesiant Relevance Article) 02/04/2009. More details on the U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the Akaka bill. (Hawaii Reporter) 8/11/09.
Title: To clarify the rights of Indians and Indian tribes on Indian lands under the National Labor Relations Act.
Sponsor: Rep Kline, John [MN-2}
Committees: House Education Labor
Latest Major Action: 4/29/2009
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2009 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe and located on its Indian lands is not considered an employer for purposes of such Act.
Title: Congratulating Taos Pueblo, its leaders and its people, on the 40th Anniversary of the return of their sacred Blue Lake lands.
Sponsor: Rep Lujan, Ben Ray [NM-3]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action:
9/16/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Congratulates Taos Pueblo, its leaders, and its people on the 40th anniversary of the return of their sacred Blue Lake lands.
Recognizes the struggle of the Taos Pueblo leaders and people through the years that brought about this ultimate and greatly important success.
Encourages the observation of the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Title: To ensure the coordination and integration of Indian tribes in the National Homeland Security strategy and to establish an Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6]
Committees: House Natural Resources; House Homeland Security
Latest Major Action: 3/30/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions.
Summary: Tribal Government Homeland Security Coordination and Integration Act - Establishes the Office of Tribal Government Homeland Security (Office) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to appoint a Director to head the Office.
Prescribes the Secretary's and the Director's duties of coordination, infrastructure and equipment readiness, training, and inclusion of Indian tribes in homeland security preparedness.
Requires the Secretary to treat Indian tribes as states, as appropriate, for the purpose of homeland security. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate to Indian tribes primary responsibility for homeland security activities within their respective jurisdictions. Requires the Secretary to integrate the roles of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services with regard to homeland security. Makes Indian tribes eligible to apply for, receive, direct, and supervise any homeland security-related federal grant program.
Title: To require the Attorney General to make competitive grants to eligible
State, tribal, and local governments to establish and maintain certain
protection and witness assistance programs.
Sponsor: Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7]
Committees: House Judiciary House Report 111-138
Latest Major Action: 3/22/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 329.
Summary: Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Attorney General to make competitive grants to state, tribal, and local prosecutors to establish or maintain programs to protect or provide assistance to witnesses in cases involving homicide, a serious or violent felony, or a serious drug offense.
Directs: (1) the U.S. Marshals Service to provide technical assistance to recipients of grants under this Act; (2) such recipients to submit reports to the Attorney General evaluating witness protection programs; and (3) the Attorney General to develop best practice models to assists states and other entities in addressing witness safety, witness relocation, financial and housing assistance for witnesses, and other necessary assistance.
Title: [Merged with H.R. 725 and was signed into law] To amend the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act, the Indian Tribal Justice Act, the Indian Tribal Justice Technical and Legal Assistance Act of 2000, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to improve the prosecution of, and response to, crimes in Indian country, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD]
Related Bill: S.797 S. Rep. 111-93 H.R. 725 (H.R. 1924 merged with H.R. 725 - Law and Order Act)
Committees: House Judiciary; House Natural Resources; House Energy and Commerce; House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 5/26/2009 Referred to House subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Summary: Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009 - Amends the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act to make a variety of changes to increase Native American tribes' law enforcement powers and increase federal powers and responsibilities regarding crimes on Indian land, including: (1) allowing federal officials, with the consent of the tribe, to investigate offenses against tribal criminal laws; (2) providing technical assistance and training to tribal law enforcement officials regarding use of the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) database; (3) requiring federal and local officials, when they decline to investigate crimes on Indian land, to report to Native officials and requiring such officials, when they decline to prosecute, to turn over evidence to Native officials; (4) establishing in the criminal division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of Indian Country Crime to develop, enforce, and administer federal criminal laws in Indian country; (5) authorizing, at the request of a tribe, concurrent federal-tribal jurisdiction; (6) authorizing grants to state, tribal, and local governments that enter into cooperative agreements, including agreements relating to mutual aid, hot pursuit of suspects, and cross-deputization; (7) requiring the Attorney General to allow tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement agencies to directly access and enter information into federal criminal information databases (under current law, such access is limited); and (8) increasing the criminal sentences tribal courts may impose.
Related News Stories: Law and Order act to become law at cost to tribes. (Indian Country Today) 7/22/10. Obama says he will sign Tribal Law and Order Act. (Madison.com) 7/21/10. Senate passes Tribal Law and Order Act (Keloland) 6/24/10. Tribal Law and Order Act to enhance criminal justice in Indian Country (Northwest Indian Law & Business Advisor) 10/5/09. Related article with link to Westlaw access: The Tribal Law and Order Act: an "aggressive fight" worth winning. Troy A. Eid, 57 Federal Lawyer 34, (March/April 2010).
Title: Rural Flood Mitigation and Recovery Act of 2010.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD]
Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Major Action:
9/24/2010 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
Summary: Rural Flood Mitigation and Recovery Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to determine that a flood damage reduction project for a flood prone disaster area is justified and to recommend the project solely on the basis that the non-federal interest has demonstrated that the project is appropriate and needed to protect the area's long-term economic viability.
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President: (1) upon declaring that a major disaster exists in an area due to flooding, to determine whether the area qualifies as a flood prone disaster area; (2) to determine an area to be a flood prone disaster area if it has experienced at least two other major disasters due to flooding during the preceding five-year period; (3) in making contributions for hazard mitigation measures to benefit such an area, and for repair, restoration, and replacement of facilities for such area's benefit, to provide for a federal share of 90% (or 100% if the President determines that the measures would not be carried out without additional federal funding and are necessary to protect the area's long-term economic viability); and (4) in each state that includes such an area, to establish a task force to ensure that activities in response to the major disaster in that area are coordinated and carried out appropriately.
Requires the President: (1) in making contributions for hazard mitigation measures for a major disaster, to review an application for assistance within three months of receipt and begin providing contributions to the cost of the measures within six months after the disaster is declared; and (2) in determining whether to provide financial assistance or direct services to an individual or household affected by a major disaster, to consider the economic impact on the area and the number of other major disasters that have been declared there during the preceding five-year period.
Permits a higher federal share payable for repair or reconstruction for Interstate highway system projects to be accomplished more than 180 days after the actual occurrence of a natural disaster or catastrophic failure if the Secretary determines that inclement weather or flooding prevented accomplishment within that period.
Requires the President to select three declared major disasters for the use of modified response procedures, under which the President shall make contributions to a state or local government for a repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement project: (1) at the time a bid is selected for awarding the contract for the project; and (2) in an amount based on the bid selected.
Directs the President to: (1) establish an Indian tribe disaster response management pilot program; and (2) report to Congress on efforts of the President to utilize for hazard mitigation projects contributions made for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make a grant to assist a state in conducting a study to determine and prioritize road projects that need to be completed for the state to be prepared for flooding or other potential disasters and to develop an implementation plan for priority projects. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on efforts to improve communication with state and local officials with respect to FEMA's disaster response, recovery, and hazard mitigation programs.
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the major disaster declaration process and other response under the Stafford Act in providing assistance to distressed communities; and (2) the application processes and paperwork required for programs under the Stafford Act that provide assistance for hazard mitigation activities.
Title: To amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to facilitate business and agricultural leasing of Navajo Nation lands.
Sponsor: Rep Lujan, Ben Ray [NM-3]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action:
9/23/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Authorizes the Navajo Nation to enter into commercial or agricultural leases of up to 99 years on their tribal lands
Title: To establish a Native American entrepreneurial development program in the Small Business Administration.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD]
Committees: House Small Business
Latest Major Action:
9/28/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Summary:Native American Small Business Assistance and Entrepreneurial Growth Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, headed by an Associate Administrator, to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans. Requires the Office to assist Native American entrepreneurs to: (1) develop small businesses; (2) develop management and technical skills; (3) seek federal procurement opportunities; (4) increase Native American employment opportunities; and (5) increase Native American access to capital markets.
Requires: (1) SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal colleges, certain nonprofit organizations, and small business development or women's business centers to create Native American business centers; (2) each business center to conduct five-year projects for business education aid to such entities; and (3) each assistance applicant to submit a five-year plan on proposed assistance and training activities.
Title: A bill to provide relief to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada for settlement of certain claims against the United States.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/6/2009)
Committees: Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009, referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary.
Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada in settlement and full satisfaction of certain claims. Excludes such payment from the provisions of the Indian Tribal Judgment Funds Use or Distribution Act.
Title: A bill to provide compensation to the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River.
This Act may be cited as the `Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act'
Sponsor: Sen Johnson, Tim [SD]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009, read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary: Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River.
Title: A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility and suitability of constructing a storage reservoir, outlet works, and a delivery system for the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation in the State of California to provide a water supply for domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes, and for other purposes.This Act may be cited as the `Tule River Tribe Water Development Act'.
Sponsor: Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA]
Related Bill: H.R.1945
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/23/2009, subcommittee on Water and Power. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.
Summary:Tule River Tribe Water Development Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to complete a feasibility study to evaluate alternatives for a domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial, and irrigation water supply for the Tule River Tribe of the Tule River Reservation, California.
Prohibits any project constructed relating to that study from providing water supply for the casino of the Tule River Tribe or any other tribal casino or any lodging, dining, entertainment, meeting space, parking, or other similar facility in support of a gaming activity.
Provides that a water supply provided by a project constructed relating to the feasibility study shall be available to serve: (1) the domestic, municipal, and governmental (including firefighting) needs of the Tribe; and (2) other commercial, agricultural, and industrial needs not related to gaming.
Title: Native American Economic Advisory Council Act of 2010
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI]
Related Bill: H.R.5452
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/7/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary:Native American Economic Advisory Council Act of 2010 - Establishes the Native American Economic Advisory Council to assist the Executive Office of the President and federal agencies to ensure that Native Americans have: (1) the means and capacity to benefit from economic stimulus and growth; and (2) opportunities to participate in federal economic development and job growth programs.
Directs the Council to: (1) prepare a compilation of successful business enterprises and joint ventures conducted by Native American organizations, including ventures of Native Corporations in Alaska; and (2) periodically sponsor and arrange conferences and training workshops on Native American business activities.
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the head of a federal agency, in preparing the President's comments and recommendations to Congress about proposed legislation, to include an assessment of the legislation's economic impact on Native Americans.
Title: A bill to establish a commission to conduct a study and provide recommendations on a comprehensive resolution of impacts caused to certain Indian tribes by the Pick-Sloan Program.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] (introduced 7/26/2010)
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report: 111-357
Latest Major Action: 12/8/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 680.
Summary: Pick-Sloan Tribal Commission Act of 2010 - Establishes the Pick-Sloan Tribal Commission for Comprehensive Resolution to consult with Indian tribes affected by the Pick-Sloan Program and to conduct a study of: (1) the impacts of the Program on the affected Indian tribes and the federal government measures attempting to address those impacts; (2) other proposed measures addressing the impacts of the Program on such Indian tribes; (3) the results of any other studies regarding those impacts and potential solutions, including any related studies conducted by the Joint Tribal Advisory Committee; and (4) comparisons involving other situations in which federal hydroelectric projects or federally licensed hydroelectric projects have resulted in the taking or occupation of Indian land and the compensation or other measures Indian tribes have been or are being provided in those situations.
Requires the Commission to: (1) maintain an information website beginning on the date of its first meeting; (2) hold at least three hearings; (3) develop a proposal that comprehensively resolves the Program's impacts on, and provides for full and final compensation to, the affected Indian tribes; and (4) issue a report.>
Title: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2010.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 11/15/2010)
Related Bills: H.R.862, H.R.1711, H.R.2314, S.381, S.708, S.1011, S.3945
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 11/15/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2010 - Establishes the U.S. Office of Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.
Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group.
Recognizes the right of the qualified Native Hawaiian constituents to reorganize the single Native Hawaiian governing entity to provide for their common welfare and to adopt appropriate organic governing documents.
Establishes a Commission to: (1) prepare and maintain a roll of such constituents; and (2) certify that individuals on the roll meet the definition of qualified Native Hawaiian.
Outlines the process for the reorganization, which includes forming a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council.
Reaffirms the special political and legal relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people upon the Secretary's approval of the organic governing documents and the installation of officers elected to the Native Hawaiian governing entity. Extends federal recognition to the governing entity as the representative sovereign governing body of the Native Hawaiian people.
Authorizes the United States, upon the reaffirmation of such political and legal relationship, together with the state of Hawaii, to enter into negotiations with the governing entity to lead to an agreement addressing specified matters, including the transfer of lands, natural resources, and other assets, and the protection of existing rights related to such lands or resources.
Back to Top
Health & Welfare
Title: Indian Health Care Improvement Act
Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6]
Committees: House Ways and Means House Natural Resources (hearing video) House Eneregy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 10/20/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Summary: Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2009 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Authorizes grants to urban Indian organizations for health information technology, telemedicine services development, and related infrastructure. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, to provide programs of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, and treatment. Excludes from gross income: (1) services or benefits provided or purchased by the Service; and (2) services or benefits provided by a tribe or tribal organization, directly or through insurance. Declares that these provisions are not intended as an inference to the tax treatment of governmental benefits provided by tribes to Indians. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Expands coverage for qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as under Medicare (SSA title XVIII) and Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Authorizes related payments to Indian Health Programs operating in the state.
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for Indian veterans health care coordinators, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Kirkpatrick, Ann [AZ-1]
Committees: House Veterans' Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/25/2010 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Summary: Rural, American Indian Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans. Includes among Coordinator duties: (1) improving outreach to tribal communities; (2) coordinating the medical needs of Indian veterans on Indian reservations with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS); and (3) acting as an ombudsman for Indian veterans enrolled in the VHA health care system.
Directs the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of the Interior to ensure the electronic transfer of health records of Indian veterans between IHS and VA facilities.
Requires the VA Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report jointly to Congress on the advisability of the joint VHA-IHS establishment and operation of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans.
Title: Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2]
Co-Sponsor: None.
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 12/2/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Summary: Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2010 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide full reimbursement (100% of the federal medical assistance percentage or FMAP) for medical assistance given to a Native Hawaiian through a federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system.
Title: To increase the budget authority for the Indian Health Service by an additional $200 million to obtain a total $600 million increase over the FY 2009 enacted level.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Related Bills: H.CON.RES.85 H.RES.371 H.J.RES.45
Committees: Senate Budget
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009, Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 43. Record Vote Number: 173.
Summary: Too long to include here. View summary from S.CON.RES,13 link above.
Title: A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide 100 percent reimbursement for medical assistance provided to a Native Hawaiian through a Federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system. This Act may be cited as the `Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2009'.
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI]
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009, referred to Senate Committee on Finance.
Summary: Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide full reimbursement (100% of the federal medical assistance percentage or FMAP) for medical assistance given to a Native Hawaiian through a federally-qualified health center or a Native Hawaiian health care system.
Title: A bill to amend the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend that Act. This Act may be cited as the `Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2009'
Sponsor: Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009, referred to Senate Committee on Indian Affaris.
Summary: Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Reauthorizes for for FY2009-FY2014 and revises the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. Requires any Department of Health and Human Services grant to or contract with Papa Ola Lokahi (an organization of public agencies and private organizations focused on improving the health status of Native Hawaiians) to support community-based initiatives that reflect holistic approaches to health.Requires Papa Ola Lokahi to report to Congress on the impact of federal and state health care financing mechanisms and policies on the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians. Makes Papa Ola Lokahi eligible to receive research endowments under the Public Health Service Act. Adds to authorized services the support of culturally appropriate activities enhancing health and wellness, including land-, water-, ocean-, and spiritually-based projects and programs.Allows a priority for Native Hawaiian health scholarships to be provided to employees of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and the Native Hawaiian Health Centers. Allows the provision of financial assistance to a scholarship recipient during the period of obligated service in any of such health care systems or health centers.Authorizes Papa Ola Lokahi to provide fellowships to Native Hawaiian health professionals.Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate funds to carry out Native Hawaiian demonstration projects of national significance, including the establishment of specified Native Hawaiian Centers of Excellence. Deems the Papa Ola Lokahi as a qualified Center of Excellence.
Title: A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend that
Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 12/16/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar
No. 233.
Summary: Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for FY2010 and each fiscal year thereafter. Revises requirements for health care personnel, facilities, programs, and services for Indians, Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and urban Indian organizations, including providing for expanded behavioral, mental, youth, hospice, long-term care, assisted living, community-based, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and other services. Authorizes the establishment of an Office of Indian Men's Health. Requires procedures to negotiate and promulgate regulations to establish a disbursement formula for contract health service funds. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to accept from any source, including federal and state agencies, funds, equipment, or supplies that are available for the construction or operation of Indian health care facilities. Authorizes demonstration programs for modular component health care facilities and mobile mental health stations in Indian communities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into or expand arrangements for the sharing of medical facilities and services between the Service, Indian Tribes, and Tribal Organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD), requiring the VA or DOD to pay reimbursement for services provided to VA- or DOD-eligible Indian beneficiaries. Requires a federal health care program to accept an Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization entity as a provider eligible to receive payment under the program for services furnished to an Indian on the same basis as any other qualified provider. Permits an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act or an urban Indian organization carrying out programs under title V (Health Serivces for Urban Indians) of the Act to purchase insurance under the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) for the employees of such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization. Provides for the designation of specified areas as contract health service delivery areas.
Title: A bill to establish telehealth pilot projects, expand access to stroke
telehealth services under the Medicare program, improve access to
"store-and-forward" telehealth services in facilities of the Indian Health Service and Federally qualified health centers, reimburse facilities of the Indian Health Service as originating sites, establish regulations to consider credentialing and privileging standards for originating sites with respect to receiving telehealth services, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Udall,Tom [NM]
Committees: Senate Fiance
Latest Major Action: 11/5/2009
Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Summary: Rural Telemedicine Enhancing Community Health (TECH) Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish telehealth pilot projects for the purpose of analyzing the clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness associated with telehealth services in a variety of geographic areas. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for expansion of originating telehealth sites for stroke telehealth services; (2) provide access to store-and-forward telehealth services in facilities of the Indian Health Service and federally qualified health centers; and (3) direct the Secretary to establish reasonable regulations to consider the remote credentialing and privileging standards for originating sites with respect to telehealth services.
Title: A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the special diabetes programs for Type I diabetes and Indians under that Act.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Committees: House Education and Labor
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2010 Referred to Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Summary: Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
Related News Stories: Legislation would provide increased funding for type 1 diabetes research and Native American programs. (Market Wire) 3/2/10
Title: A bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 11/15/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2010 - Establishes the U.S. Office of Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.
Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group.
Recognizes the right of the qualified Native Hawaiian constituents to reorganize the single Native Hawaiian governing entity to provide for their common welfare and to adopt appropriate organic governing documents.
Establishes a Commission to: (1) prepare and maintain a roll of such constituents; and (2) certify that individuals on the roll meet the definition of qualified Native Hawaiian.
Outlines the process for the reorganization, which includes forming a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council.
Reaffirms the special political and legal relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people upon the Secretary's approval of the organic governing documents and the installation of officers elected to the Native Hawaiian governing entity. Extends federal recognition to the governing entity as the representative sovereign governing body of the Native Hawaiian people.
Authorizes the United States, upon the reaffirmation of such political and legal relationship, together with the state of Hawaii, to enter into negotiations with the governing entity to lead to an agreement addressing specified matters, including the transfer of lands, natural resources, and other assets, and the protection of existing rights related to such lands or resources.
Back to Top
Lands & Natural Resources
Title: Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK] (introduced 1/5/2011)
Committees: House rules
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
Summary: Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a
competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an
environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and
production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain of Alaska,
and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK]
Co-Sponsors: Co-Sponsors(11)
Committees: House Science and Technology, House Natural Resources, House Eneregy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 1/5/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary: American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with ANWR purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area.
Title: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act
Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK] (introduced 1/12/2011)
Related Bills: None.
Committees: House Natural Resources
House Budget
Latest Major Action: 1/12/2011 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act - Ratifies the Salmon Lake Area Land Ownership Consolidation Agreement, which was executed between the United States, the state of Alaska, and the Bering Straits Native Corporation on July 18, 2007.
Requires the land conveyance to the Bering Straits Native Corporation to include the reservation of specified easements that were developed by the parties to the Agreement in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out all actions allowed or required under the Agreement.
Title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to take lands in Yuma County,
Arizona, into trust as part of the reservation of the Cocopah Tribe of
Arizona, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee action on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
Summary: Cocopah Lands Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, if the Cocopah Indian Tribe of Arizona transfers title to certain described land to the Secretary, to take it into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, if there are no recognized environmental conditions or contamination related concerns and no adverse legal claims to such land.
Considers such land to be part of the Tribe's initial reservation.
Designates Yuma county, Arizona, as the Tribe's service area for the delivery of federal services to enrolled Tribe members.
Prohibits using the trust land for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Title: To modify the requirements
applicable to locatable minerals on public domain
lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation
of mining claims, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3]
Committees:
House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action:: 2/26/2009, subcommittee Hearings Held
Summary: Permits a state or local government or Indian tribe to petition the Secretary of the Interior for withdrawal of specific federal land from operation of the general mining laws in order to protect specific values.
Title: To authorize the Crow Tribe of Indians water rights settlement, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009'.
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT]
Related Bill: S.375
Committees: House Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power
Latest Major Action: 2/09/2009, referred to House Subcommittee on Water and Power
Summary: Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 - Ratifies the water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and the state of Montana. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly execute the compact and comply with applicable environmental statutes.
Title: To amend the Colorado River Storage Project Act and Public Law 87-483 to authorize the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Northwestern New Mexico, to authorize the use of the reclamation fund to fund the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund, to authorize the conveyance of certain Reclamation land and infrastructure, to authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to provide for the delivery of water, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Lujan Ben, Ray [NM-3]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009, referred to the House Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Summary: Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act - Amends the Colorado River Storage Project Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) create and operate within the available capacity of Navajo Reservoir (the reservoir created by the impoundment of the San Juan River at Navajo Dam) a top water bank; and (2) construct, operate, and maintain the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project.
Title: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3254) to approve the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, and for other purposes; for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3342) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin, and to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque; and for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1065) to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McGovern, James P.[MA-3]
Related Bill: H.R.1065
H.R.3254 H.R.3342
Committees: House Rules House Report 111-399
Latest Major Action: 1/20/2010 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Summary: Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3254) to approve the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, and for other purposes; for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3342) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin, and to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque; and for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1065) to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona.
Title: To provide for a study by the National Academy of Engineering regarding
improving the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil,
condensate, and natural gas under leases of Federal lands and Indian
lands, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to House subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Summary: Study of Ways to Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to arrange with the National Academy of Engineering to study and report to the Secretary regarding whether the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of federal lands (including submerged, deep water, and Indian lands) would be improved by implementing certain prescribed measures.
Requires the Secretary to award a contract under which the contractor shall: (1) compare royalty payments made under federal oil and gas lease provisions for covered lands against data supplied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); (2) make such comparison retroactive to June 1, 1974; (3) determine whether the correct production standard volume and heating content analysis was used to calculate such payments; and (4) determine whether such payments were adequate under the terms of the oil and gas leases.
Title: To take certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2]
Committees: House Natural Resources House Report 111-513
Latest Major Action: 7/12/2010 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Summary: Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act - Requires, immediately after completion of the survey required by this Act, receipt of consideration and costs, and satisfaction of all terms specified by the Secretary of the Interior, the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over specified federal land in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, within the boundary of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (the Tribe) to the Secretary, who shall take such land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe.
Requires the Tribe to pay: (1) fair market value for the land; (2) the costs of the survey; and (3) all costs and administrative expenses associated with the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of the land and the taking of it into trust, including any environmental remediation costs.
Title: To provide compensation to the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes
of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects
along the Missouri River.
Sponsor: Rep Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie [SD]
Related Bill: S.617
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 3/17/2009, referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribal Compensation Act - Amends the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act to increase the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury to provide compensation to the Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River. Amends the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act of 1996 to increase the aggregate amount to be deposited into the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Infrastructure Development Trust Fund by the Secretary to provide compensation to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for such damage. Considers this Act to be full and final compensation to the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe for damages caused by the construction of the Fort Randall Dam and the Big Bend Dam under the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program.
Title: Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT]
Related Bill: H.R.845
S.375
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 9/22/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Summary: Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 - Ratifies the water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and the state of Montana. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly execute the compact and comply with applicable environmental statutes.
Requires the Secretary, through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to carry out activities necessary to: (1) rehabilitate and improve the water diversion and delivery features of the Crow Irrigation Project in accordance with an agreement to be negotiated with the Tribe; and (2) design and construct such features of the reservation's municipal, rural, and industrial water system.
Ratifies tribal water rights, which shall be held in trust for the use and benefit of the Tribe. Grants the Tribe sole authority to allocate, distribute, and lease such rights, subject to specified limitations. Applies specified provisions of the Act of February 8, 1887, relating to using water for irrigation, to the tribal water rights.
Directs the Secretary to allocate to the Tribe 300,000 acre-feet per year of water stored in Bighorn Lake, under a water right held by the United States, as measured at the Yellowtail Dam outlet works.
Requires the Tribe, as a condition of receiving an allocation, to enter into an agreement with the Secretary to establish the terms and conditions. Declares that the benefits provided satisfy all claims of the Tribe and allottees.
Establishes in the Treasury the Crow Settlement Fund. Grants the Tribe the exclusive right to develop and market power generation as a water development project on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam.
Repeals this Act on January 1, 2016, if the Secretary does not publish by March 31, 2016, a statement of findings that specified conditions have been fulfilled (including court approval and ratification of the compact).
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage charitable contributions
of real property for conservation purposes by Native Corporations.
Sponsor: Rep Young, Don [AK]
Related Bill: S.1673
Committees: House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 9/15/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Ways and Means.
Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow Alaska Native Corporations an
increased tax deduction for donations of conservation easements related to lands
conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Permits a 15-year
carryover of contribution amounts that exceed annual limitations on the amount
of such tax deduction.
Title: To amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases
involving certain Indian tribes.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Adam [WA]
Related Bill: S.2906
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/16/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Natural Resources.
Summary: Permits land held in trust for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to be leased for a term of greater than 25 years.
Includes the Puyallup Tribe, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians among those tribes and tribal organizations permitted to lease restricted lands under specified conditions without the Secretary of the Interior's approval.
Title: To authorize the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Bono Mack, Mary [CA]
Related Bill: S.2956
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/14/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee
on Water and Power.
Summary: Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Pechanga Settlement Agreement.
Directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to execute the Extension of Service Area Agreement, the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement, and the ESAA Capacity Agreement within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
Ratifies, confirms, and declares valid the Tribal Water Right which shall be held in trust by the United States for the use and benefit of the Band and allottees.
States that the Band shall: (1) have authority to use, allocate, and lease the Tribal Water Right; and (2) enact a Pechanga Water Code.
Waives certain water rights and land claims of the Band and the United States with respect to the Santa Margarita River Watershed.
Directs the Secretary to provide specified funds: (1) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement and the ESAA Capacity Agreement; (2) for the Storage Pond and the Demineralization and Brine Disposal Project; (3) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement for the Storage Pond's design and construction; and (4) for Interim Capacity and Permanent Capacity.
Establishes in the Treasury the Pechanga Settlement Fund.
Repeals this Act and voids any related agreements effective January 1, 2016, if the Secretary does not publish a statement of findings required under this Act by December 31, 2015. Returns any appropriations and unobligated amounts to the general fund of the Treasury.
Title: Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 Luiseno.
Sponsor: Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43]
Related Bill: H.R.4285
S.2956
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 9/16/2010 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Summary: Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Pechanga Settlement Agreement.
Ratifies, confirms, and declares valid the Tribal Water Right which shall be held in trust by the United States for the use and benefit of the Band and allottees.
States that the Band shall: (1) have authority to use, allocate, and lease the Tribal Water Right; and (2) enact a Pechanga Water Code.
Authorizes the execution of waivers of claims by the Band and the United States with respect to Santa Margarita River Watershed water rights and with respect subsidence damage to lands within the Reservation.
Directs the Secretary to provide specified funds: (1) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement and the ESAA Capacity Agreement; (2) for the Storage Pond and the Demineralization and Brine Disposal Project; (3) to fulfill the Band's obligations under the Recycled Water Infrastructure Agreement for the Storage Pond's design and construction; and (4) for Interim Capacity and Permanent Capacity.
Establishes in the Treasury the Pechanga Settlement Fund.
Repeals this Act and voids any related agreements effective January 1, 2016, if the Secretary does not publish a statement of findings required under this Act by December 31, 2015. Returns any appropriations and unobligated amounts to the general fund of the Treasury.
Title: Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT]
Related Bill: S.3290
Committees: House Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Water and Power
Latest Major Action: 6/29/2010 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Summary: Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in providing to the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana the St. Mary River water right, to allocate to the Tribe 50,000 acre-feet per year of stored water in Lake Sherburne Reservoir as part of the tribal water right. Exempts the Tribe from any requirement to pay any costs associated with the allocation. Prohibits the allocation from being increased by any year-to-year carryover storage.
Requires the Tribe and the Secretary to enter into an agreement to lease the water allocated to the Tribe for use by the Secretary for the Milk River Project.
Requires, as part of the tribal water right, the Secretary to permanently allocate to the Tribe all remaining unallocated water in Lake Elwell.
Directs the Secretary to carry out such activities as are necessary relating to: (1) planning, design, and construction for rehabilitation and improvement of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project; (2) the completion to authorized acreage of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project; and (3) planning, design, and construction for rehabilitation and improvement of the Four Horns Dam and Reservoir and associated delivery systems of the Blackfeet Irrigation Project.
Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified compact and the Birch Creek Agreement.
Holds the tribal water right in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe.
Establishes: (1) the Blackfeet Land and Water Development Fund; and (2) the Birch Creek Mitigation Fund.
Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) water rights in the Lewis and Clark National Forest; and (2) Milk River water rights.
Title: To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to clarify the role of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma with regard to the maintenance of the W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam in Oklahoma.
Sponsor: Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2] (introduced 12/1/2010)
Related Bill: H.R.4948
Committees: House Natural Resources
House Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Major Action: 12/1/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Summary:Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to modify provisions authorizing the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma to design and construct hydroelectric generating facilities at the W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River in Oklahoma.
Authorizes such Nation to market the electricity generated from any such facility. Requires such Nation to obtain any permit required by federal or state law before the date on which construction begins on such facilities, except that the Nation shall be exempt from any licensing requirements under the Federal Power Act related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of hydroelectric generating facilities.
Authorizes: (1) such Nation to initiate design and construction only after the Secretary of the Army reviews and approves the plans and specifications; and (2) the Secretary to accept and use funds offered by such Nation to carry out the design and construction. Requires such Nation to: (1) bear all costs associated with the design and construction; and (2) provide any funds necessary for such design and construction to the Secretary prior to the Secretary initiating related activities.
Provides that such Nation shall hold all title to any hydroelectric generating facility constructed under this Act and may assign such title to a third party, subject to the Secretary's approval. Requires such Nation to: (1) be solely responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of, and the marketing of the electricity generated by, any such facility; and (2) release and indemnify the United States from all liabilities that may arise out of any activity undertaken to carry out this Act.
Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to provide any technical and construction management assistance that is requested by such Nation relating to such design and construction; and (2) such Nation to enter into agreements necessary to carry out this Act with the Secretary or a third party.
Title: A bill to designate certain land as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Related Bills: Too many bills to list here. Click on H.R.146 link for all of them.
Committees: (none)
Latest Major Action: 3/11/2009, failed of passage/not agreed to in House. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 282 - 144 (Roll no. 117). Note: For further action, see H.R.146, which became Public Law 111-11 on 3/30/2009.
Summary: Too long to include here. View summary from S.22 link above. This legislation includes provisions relating to tribal irrigation projects and upholding treaty rights of tribes.
Title: A bill to establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the Act, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2009'.
Sponsor: Sen McCain, John. [AZ]
Related Bill: S.523
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Senate Report 111-157
Latest Major Action: 3/4/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 307.
Summary: Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize a tribal organization to establish a boxing commission; (2) prohibit arranging, promoting, or fighting in a match unless the match is approved by the United States Boxing Commission (USBC) and held in a state or on tribal land that regulates matches in accordance with USBC standards; (3) require specified pre-fight boxer physical examinations and to require the continuous presence during any match of an ambulance and emergency medical personnel; (4) provide for boxing registration with the appropriate boxing commission of an Indian tribe; (5) require a health and safety disclosure to a boxer when issuing an identification card and to establish procedures for review of a summary suspension; (6) require the USBC to develop guidelines for boxing contracting requirements and for rating professional boxers; (7) require the sanctioning organization for a match and its promoter to provide specified disclosures; (8) prohibit a promoter from arranging a championship match or a match scheduled unless all participating judges and referees are by the USBC; (9) require the USBC to establish and maintain a registry of comprehensive medical records and medical denials or suspensions for every licensed boxer; and (10) apply conflict-of-interest provisions to USBC officers and employees.
Title: A bill to develop a program to acquire interests in land from eligible individuals within the Crow Reservation in the State of Montana, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Crow Tribe Land Restoration Act'.
Sponsor: Sen Baucus, Max [MT]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/16/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary: Crow Tribe Land Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a loan program to assist the Crow Tribe of the State of Montana in purchasing from eligible individuals land and interests in land within the Crow Reservation in the state. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one or more loan obligation(s) with the Tribe as the Secretary determines necessary to fund such program
Title: A bill to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009'
Sponsor: Sen Kyl, Jon [AZ]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Related Bills: H.R.1065 Senate Report 111-119
Lastest Major Action:1/21/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 260.
Summary: White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009 - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Agreement and amendments made to such Agreement by this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, in implementing the Agreement, to comply with all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and all other applicable environmental laws. Requires the water rights of the Tribe to be held in trust by the United States. Provides for reallocations of certain water rights to the Tribe.
Title: A bill to amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to modify the date as of which certain tribal land of the Lytton Rancheria of California is deemed to be held in trust and to provide for the conduct of certain activities on the land.
Sponsor: Sen Feinstein, Dianne
Committes: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009, referred to House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Amends the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to repeal the declaration that specified land accepted by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of the Lytton Rancheria in California shall be deemed to have been held in trust and part of the reservation of the Rancheria prior to October 17, 1988. (The date on the recorded deed is October 16, 2000.) Allows the Lytton Rancheria to conduct activities for class II gaming on the land taken into trust. Prohibits the Lytton Rancheria from expanding the exterior physical measurements of any facility on the Rancheria in use for class II gaming activities. States that, for class III gaming purposes, the land taken into trust shall be treated, for purposes of provisions relating to gaming on lands acquired in trust after October 17, 1988, as if the land was acquired on October 9, 2003, the date on which the Secretary took it into trust.
Title: A bill to resolve the claims of the Bering Straits Native Corporation
and the State of Alaska to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in the State of
Alaska and to provide for the conveyance to the Bering Straits Native
Corporation of certain other public land in partial satisfaction of the
land entitlement of the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act.
Sponsor: Sen Murkowski, Lisa [AK]
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Related Bill: H.R.2340 Senate Report 111-130
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 280.
Summary: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act - Ratifies the Salmon Lake Area Land Ownership and Consolidation Agreement, which was executed by the Department of the Interior, the state of Alaska, and the Bering Straits Native Corporation on July 18, 2007. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out all actions permitted or required under the Agreement.
Title: A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility and suitability of constructing a storage reservoir, outlet works, and a delivery system for the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation in the State of California to provide a water supply for domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes, and for other purposes.This Act may be cited as the `White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009'
Sponsor: Sen Feinstein, Dianne
Related Bill: H.R.1945
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/23/2009 subcommittee on Water and Power. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.
Summary: Tule River Tribe Water Development Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to complete a feasibility study to evaluate alternatives for a domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial, and irrigation water supply for the Tule River Tribe of the Tule River Reservation, California.
Prohibits any project constructed relating to that study from providing water supply for the casino of the Tule River Tribe or any other tribal casino or any lodging, dining, entertainment, meeting space, parking, or other similar facility in support of a gaming activity.
Provides that a water supply provided by a project constructed relating to the feasibility study shall be available to serve: (1) the domestic, municipal, and governmental (including firefighting) needs of the Tribe; and (2) other commercial, agricultural, and industrial needs not related to gaming.
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribes to transfer the credit for electricity produced from renewable resources.
Sponsor: Sen Johnson, Tim [SD]
Committees: Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009, referred to Senate committee on Finance.
Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an Indian tribe, in the case
of a facility that uses a renewable energy resource to produce
electricity in which such tribe has an ownership interest in the gross
sales from such facility, to assign to any other person who has such an
ownership interest any portion of the production from the facility that
would, but for this Act, be allocated to such tribe for purposes of the
renewable electricity production credit.
Related Articles: Legislation would make wind energy easier for state?s tribes (Plainsman) 4/03/09.
Title: A bill to approve the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-117
Latest Major Action: 1/20/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 257.
Summary: Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Settlement Agreement of March 31, 2006, between the United States, the Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, the Taos Valley Acequia Association and its 55 member ditches, Taos, the El Prado Water and Sanitation District (EPWSD), and the 12 Taos area Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Associations.
Requires water rights to which the Taos Pueblo is entitled under the Partial Final Decree entered in New Mexico v. Abeyta and New Mexico v. Arellano to be held in trust by the United States.
Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide: (1) grants and technical assistance to the Pueblo to construct, replace, or rehabilitate water infrastructure, to protect the environment associated with the Buffalo Pasture area, and to enhance watershed conditions; and (2) financial assistance to eligible non-Pueblo entities for mutual-benefit projects in accordance with the Agreement.
Establishes in the Treasury a Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund.
Authorizes the Pueblo to market its water rights under the Agreement.
Directs the Secretary to enter into three repayment contracts by December 31, 2009, for the delivery of specified amounts of San Juan-Chama Project water to the Pueblo, the town of Taos, and EPWSD.
Provides for the waiver and release of claims against the parties to New Mexico v. Abeyta and New Mexico v. Arellano in return for recognition of the Pueblo's water rights.
Title: A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin, and to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque.
Sponsor: Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Related Bill: H.R.3342
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-115
Latest Major Action: 1/20/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 255.
Summary:Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act - Authorizes, ratifies, and confirms the Settlement Agreement dated January 19, 2006, among New Mexico, the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque, the United States, the city of Santa Fe, and Santa Fe County and related agreements, including a Cost-Sharing and System Integration Agreement (that describes the location, capacity, and management of the Regional Water System and that allocates System costs). Authorizes New Mexico and Santa Fe County, in agreement with the Pueblos, Santa Fe, and other signatories to the Cost-Sharing and System Integration Agreement, to modify the extent, size, and capacity of the County Distribution System (the portion of the Regional Water System that serves water customers on non-Pueblo land in the Pojoaque Basin) as set forth in that Agreement, which: (1) shall not affect implementation of the Settlement Agreement as long as specified conditions are satisfied; and (2) may result in an adjustment of the cost-share allocation between New Mexico and Santa Fe County. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to plan, design, and construct a Regional Water System to divert and distribute water to the Pueblos in accordance with the Settlement Agreement. Directs the Secretary, for the purpose of providing a reliable supply of water from the System for the Pueblos in accordance with the Settlement Agreement, to: (1) acquire rights to specified Nambe reserved water and water acquired by Santa Fe County; (2) make a specified amount of water available to the Pueblos in accordance with the San Juan-Chama Project Act; and (3) obtain approval to divert such water for the System at points consistent with the Settlement Agreement.Establishes in the Treasury the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos' Fund. Sets forth criteria for substantial completion of the Regional Water System. Authorizes the Pueblos to execute a waiver and release of various claims for water rights and against the United States, its agencies, or employees.
Title: A bill to provide for equitable compensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal land for the production of hydropower by the Grand Coulee Dam, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA]
Related Bill: H.R.3097
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-204
Latest Major Action: 6/10/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 425.
Summary: Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Equitable Compensation Settlement Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Spokane Tribe of Indians Settlement Fund.
Requires the payment of compensation to the Spokane Business Council for the use of tribal lands for the generation of hydropower from the Grand Coulee Dam.
Requires the use of such funds, in part, for a Cultural Resource Repository and Interpretive Center concerning the culture and history of the Spokane Tribe.
Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to make specified settlement payments to the Spokane Tribe.
Allows payments made to the Spokane Business Council or Spokane Tribe to be used or invested by the Business Council in the same manner and for the same purposes as other Spokane Tribal governmental funds.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Bureau of Indian Affairs over certain land located within the exterior boundaries of the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Provides that payments by the Secretary and the Administrator and restoration of ownership of land in trust constitute full satisfaction of the claim of the Spokane Tribe to a fair share of the annual hydropower revenues generated by the Grand Coulee Dam project for the past and continued use of land of the Spokane Tribe for the production of hydropower at Grand Coulee Dam.
Title: A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land.
Sponsor: Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Related Bills: H.R.4010
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report: 111-245
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 111-334 [PDF Unavailable 01/03/2010 - Will update when available]
Summary: Permits lease authority for a period of up to 99 years for the Coquille
Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the
Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe trust lands.
Title: A bill to settle land claims within the Fort Hall Reservation.
Sponsor: Sen Crapo, Mike [ID]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-356
Latest Major Action: 12/2/2010 By Senator Dorgan from Committee on Indian Affairs filed written report. Report No. 111-356.
Summary: Blackfoot River Land Settlement Act of 2009 - Extinguishes all claims and all right, title, and interest in and to specified Indian and non-Indian land with respect to resolution of the disputes within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation of the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Tribes located in Idaho, resulting from the realignment of the Blackfoot River by the Corps of Engineers in 1964. Requires the non-Indian land to be held in trust for the Tribes. Transfers the Indian land to Blackfoot River Flood Control District No. 7 for conveyance to the non-Indians acquiring Indian land. Establishes a tribal trust fund account from which amounts shall be distributed to the Tribes, which they may use for activities related to: (1) construction of a natural resources facility; (2) water resources needs; (3) economic development; and (4) land acquisition. Establishes an allottee trust account into which amounts shall be deposited into individual Indian money accounts for the allottees.
Title: A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects.
Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Senate Report: 111-264
Latest Major Action: 8/5/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 534.
Summary: Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 with respect to
the allocation of surface mining reclamation funds to states and Indian tribes,
to modify limitations on the allocation of surface mining reclamation funds to
states and Indian tribes to provide for payments for filling voids and sealing
tunnels and entryways of non-coal mines as well as coal mines. Requires uncertified states or Indian tribes to use such allocated funds to fill voids and seal tunnels and entryways of non-coal as well as coal mines. ("Uncertified states and Indian tribes" are those which have not certified to the Secretary of the Interior that all priorities specified under the Act for eligible lands and waters have been achieved.)
Back to Top
Tribal Recognition
Title: To provide for the recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and for other purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Lumbee Recognition Act'.
Sponsor: Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] (introduced 1/6/2009)
Related Bill: H.RES.490 S.1735
Committees: House Natural Resources House Report 111-103
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2009 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 72.
Summary: Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Related News and Information: Burr: right "vehicle" needed for Lumbee bill. (Robesonian) 8/11/09. House passes bills to recognize seven tribes. (Boston Globe) 6/3/09. Lumbee recognition bill heads to full U.S. House. (Fayetteville Observer) 4/23/09. Senate panel passes bills to recognize 7 tribes. (The Associated Press) 10/22/09.
Title: To provide for the consideration of a petition for Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Indians of Robeson and adjoining counties and other Indian groups in North Carolina, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 2/3/2009, referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Summary: Provides for the consideration of a petition for federal recognition as an Indian tribe of a group or organization representing the Lumbee Indians of Robeson and adjoining counties of North Carolina, the Lumbee Regional Development Association, Inc., the Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians, the Hatteras Tuscarora Indians, the Cherokee Indians of Robeson and Adjoining Counties, the Cherokee Indians of Hoke County, Inc., or the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina. Expresses the sense of the Congress that review of such petition should not unnecessarily delay review of petitions awaiting active consideration.
Title: To reaffirm and clarify the Federal relationship of the Burt Lake Band
as a distinct federally recognized Indian Tribe, and for other
purposes. This Act may be cited as the `Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act'.
Sponsor: Rep Stupak, Bart [MI-1]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009
House committee/subcommittee hearings held
Summary: Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act - Reaffirms federal recognition and the rights and privileges of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Extends to the Band eligibility for all federal services and benefits available to other federally recognized Indian tribes. Designates the service area for the delivery of federal services to the Band and to other Indians in the area of Cheboygan County, Michigan.
Title: To extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the
Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe,
the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the
Nansemond Indian Tribe. This Act may be cited as the `Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009'.
Sponsor: Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8]
Related Bill: H.RES.490 S.1178
Committees: House Natural Resources, House Report 111-104
Latest Major Action: 6/4/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Summary: Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009 - Extends federal recognition to the following Indian tribes of Virginia and states their relationship with the federal government as described below: (1) the Chickahominy Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe.
Makes each Tribe and tribal members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. Sets forth the service area of the Tribe and requirements for the Tribe with respect to submission of a membership roll and governing documents and the governing body of the Tribe.
Related News and Information: House passes bills to recognize seven tribes. (Boston Globe) 6/3/09. House Natural Resources Committee approves Virginia Tribes' federal recognition (Indian Country Today) 5/1/09. Va. tribes nearing recognition, queen comes to Peninsula for healing services (examiner.com) 6/7/09. Senate panel passes bills to recognize 7 tribes. (The Associated Press) 10/22/09
Title: To restore Federal recognition to the Chinook Nation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Baird, Brian [WA-3]
Committees: House Natural Resources House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 5/21/2009, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Committee on Ways and Means
Summary: Chinook Nation Restoration Act - Extends federal recognition to the Chinook Indian Nation. Makes the Chinook Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the government to federally recognized tribes regardless of the existence of a reservation or the location of residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Designates specified counties in Washington and Oregon as the Tribe's service area for delivery of federal services to enrolled members.
Requires the Tribe to: (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll; and (2) conduct, by secret ballot, an election to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Directs the Secretary: (1) if the Tribe transfers all rights to land to the Secretary, to take such land in trust for the Tribe's benefit, subject to restrictions; (2) to negotiate with the tribal governing body regarding establishing a reservation; and (3) to develop a plan for doing so.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify and consult with all appropriate state officials and owners of land adjacent to those considered for the proposed reservation; and (2) provide complete information on the proposed plan to such officials. Requires submission of the plan to Congress upon approval by the tribal governing body.
Requires any real property transferred by the Tribe or any member to the Secretary to be held in the name of the United States for the Tribe's benefit. Prohibits the exercise of eminent domain for purposes of acquiring lands for the Tribe's benefit.
Allows and regulates ceremonial hunting and fishing in specified Washington counties.
Title: To extend Federal recognition to the Duwamish Tribe, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009 House committee/subcommittee hearings held.
Summary: Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act - Extends all federal laws and regulations to the Duwamish Tribe.
Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for the Tribe or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Defines the Tribe's service area for purposes of the delivery of federal services.
Requires the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll of all individuals enrolled in the Tribe.
Requires the Tribe to conduct an election by secret ballot to adopt a constitution and bylaws for the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to elect a governing body in accordance with the procedures set forth in its constitution and bylaws.
Requires the Secretary to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all right, title, and interest in and to the land to the Secretary within ten years. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.
Title: To extend the Federal relationship to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana as a distinct federally recognized Indian tribe, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rehberg, Denny [MT]
Related Bill: S.1936
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 7/15/2009, committee hearings held.
Summary: Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2009 - Extends federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits furnished to federally recognized Indian tribes without regard to the existence of a tribal reservation or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian Reservation.
Directs the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll consisting of all individuals enrolled as members of the Tribe.
Directs the Secretary to acquire trust title to 200 acres of land within the Tribe's service area for the benefit of the Tribe for a tribal land base.
Related News and Information: Hearing set for Little Shell's recognition (Great Falls Tribune)
Title: To establish a Commission on Recognition of Indian Tribes to review and act on
petitions by Indian groups applying for Federal recognition, and for other
purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Faleomavaega, Eni F.H. [AS] (introduced 10/1/2009)
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 10/1/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee
on Natural Resources.
Summary: Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act - Establishes the Commission on Recognition of Indian Tribes. Sets forth procedures for an Indian group to submit letters of intent and a petition to the Commission requesting federal recognition as an Indian tribe (effectively transferring the federal recognition process from the Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA]to the Commission).
Specifies the requirements of a petition for recognition.
Requires the Commission upon receiving a petition to: (1) send acknowledgment of receipt in writing to the petitioner; and (2) conduct a review to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to be recognized as an Indian tribe.
Authorizes the petitioner or any interested party to file a request for reconsideration with the Commission of a final determination with respect to a petition submitted under this Act. Requires the Commission to review all requests for reconsideration, as specified in this Act. Grants the Commission the authority to review determinations of a Commission panel.
Makes an Indian tribe upon recognition by the Commission: (1) eligible for services and benefits from the federal government that are available to other federally recognized Indian tribes by virtue of their status as Indian tribes with a government-to-government relationship with the United States; (2) have responsibilities, obligations, privileges, and immunities of those Indian tribes; and (3) included on the list of federally recognized tribes under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.
Allows the recognition or restoration of Indian tribes by: (1) federal law; (2) the Commission; (3) reorganization under the Indian Reorganization Act or the Alaska Indian Reorganization Act; and (4) any final decision of a U.S. court.
Applies the Indian Reorganization Act to all tribes recognized by the Commission, regardless as to whether they were under federal jurisdiction on June 18, 1934.
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to Indian groups seeking federal recognition as Indian tribes to enable them to conduct research to substantiate, and prepare documentation necessary for submission of, documented petitions under this Act.
Title: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that October 17, 1984, the date
of the restoration by the Federal Government of Federal recognition to the
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, should be
memorialized.
Sponsor: Sen Wyden, Ron [OR] (introduced 10/6/2009)
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 10/6/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on
Indian Affairs.
Summary: Expresses the sense of the Senate that October 17, 1984, should be memorialized as the date on which the federal government restored federal recognition to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.
Title: A bill to extend Federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida.
Sponsor: Sen Nelson, Bill [FL]
Related Bill: H.R. 1899
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/5/2009, read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
Summary: Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida (the Nation).
Makes the Nation and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. Considers, for the purpose of the delivery of federal services to members, the service area of the Nation to be: (1) the community of Bruce in Walton County, Florida; and (2) an area in Florida in which members reside that is bordered on the west by the Escambia River and on the east by the St. Marks River.
Declares that theconstitution and bylaws of the Nation shall be the constitution and bylaws of the Nation's Tribal Council dated January 21, 2001 (including amendments). Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of a written request of the Tribal Council, to hold a referendum for members to adopt a new constitution and bylaws.
Specifies the role and duties of the Tribal Council.
Requires that the membership roll of the Nation be determined in accordance with the membership criteria established by the ordinance of the Nation numbered 04-01-100 and dated February 7, 2004.
Title: A bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians, to provide a process for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian government and the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian government, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action:: 3/25/2009, referred to Senate Committee on Indian affairs
Summary: Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Affairs (Office) within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Attorney General to designate a Department of Justice official to assist the Office in the implementation and protection of the rights of Native Hawaiians and their political, legal, and trust relationship with the United States. Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Task Force to: (1) coordinate federal policies or actions that may significantly or uniquely affect Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) assure that each federal agency develops a policy on consultation with Native Hawaiians; and (3) assure the participation of such agencies in the development of an annual report on the Task Force. Establishes a process for development of a membership roll for organizing a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council and for election of a Native Hawaiian government. Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to adopt organic governing documents. Extends federal recognition to the government as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people upon election of officers and certification by the Secretary. Permits the United States, upon federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian government, to enter into an agreement with the state of Hawaii and such government regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use. Prohibits the Native Hawaiian government and Native Hawaiians from conducting gaming activities as a matter of claimed inherent authority or under theauthority of any federal law.
Related News and Information: Obama backs Native Hawaiian self-governance bill (Honoluluadvertiser.com) 8/07/09. Prospects brighten for passage of Akaka Bill (The Maui News) 8/07/09. Hawaiians extend their influence (Nativetimes.com)
4/27/09. Akaka Bill deserves support (Starbulletin.com)
4/24/09. U.S. Supremes rule against Native Hawaiians and claims (Indian
Country Today) 4/06/09
Title: A bill to provide for the recognition of certain Native communities and the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor:
Sen Murkowski, Lisa [AK]
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Related Bills: H.R.2018
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee, on Energy and Natural Resources.
Summary: Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities
Recognition and Compensation Act - Amends the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act to permit the Native
residents of each of the Native Villages of Haines,
Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska,
to organize as Urban Corporations and to receive
certain settlement lands and other compensation
pursuant to this Act.
Title: A bill to extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe,
the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi
Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the
Nansemond Indian Tribe.
Sponsor: Sen Webb, Jim [VA]
Related Bill: H.R.1385
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-113
Latest Major Action:12/23/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 251.
Summary: Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009 - Extends federal recognition to the following Indian tribes (the tribes) in Virginia and establishes their relationship with the federal government as described below: (1) the Chickahominy Tribe; (2) the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division; (3) the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; (4) the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; (5) the Monacan Indian Nation; and (6) the Nansemond Indian Tribe.
Makes the tribes and their members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes. Establishes the service area of each tribe and requirements for each tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior, on request of any of the tribes, to take specified lands into trust for the benefit of that tribe, to be considered part of that tribe's reservation. Prohibits the tribes from conducting gaming activities.
Prohibits this Act from affecting the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and water rights of the tribes and their members.
Requires Virginia to exercise jurisdiction over criminal offenses and civil actions on lands in Virginia that are owned by or held in trust for the Tribe. Authorizes the Secretary to accept all or any portion of Virginia's jurisdiction over such offenses and actions on verification by the Secretary of a tribe's certification that the tribe possesses the capacity to reassume such jurisdiction.
Related News and Information: House passes bills to recognize seven tribes. (Boston Globe) 6/3/09.
Back to Top
General Native American Affairs
Title: To honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes.This Act may be cited as the `Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009'.
Sponsor: Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43]
Related Bills: H.J.Res.40
Committeees: House Oversight and Government Reform
Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009, referred to House committee on Oversight and Goverment Reform.
Summary: Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 - Encourages observing Native American Heritage Day with appropriate activities, including activities relating to the historical status of tribal governments, present day Native American status, cultures, traditions, and languages, and the Native American cultural legacy.
Related News and Information: House passes Baca legislation to establish Native American Heritage Day 2009 (Targeted News Service) 6/5/09.
Title: Honoring the life and memory of the Chiricahua Apache leader Goyathlay or Goyaale, also known as Geronimo, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of a "Healing" for all Apache people.
Sponsor: Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 2/23/2009 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Summary: Honors the life of Goyathlay, also known as Geronimo, his extraordinary bravery, and his commitment to the defense of his homeland, his people, and Apache ways of life.
Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the death of Goyathlay as a time of reflection of his deeds on behalf of his people.
Title: To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans.
Sponsor: Rep Lynch, Stephen F. [MA-9]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Report 111-84
Latest Major Action: 9/30/2009 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 170.
Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), to make an annual grant, to the extent funds are made available for such grant, to an eligible entity to provide an iron working training program that: (1) provides specialized classroom and on-the-job training in iron working skills to adult members of federally recognized Indian tribes; and (2) facilitates job placement upon program completion.
Title: To amend chapter 40 of title 18, United States Code, to exempt the transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive materials for delivery to a federally recognized Indian tribe or an agency of such a tribe from various Federal criminal prohibitions relating to explosives.
Sponsor: Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7]
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 10/1/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to extend the exemption from prohibitions on the transportation, shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive materials to federally-recognized Indian tribes or agencies of such tribes.
Title: To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14]
Related Bill: H.RES.371 S.909 House Report 111-86 (part 1) House Report 111-86 (part 2)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee on the Judiciary.
Summary: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2)
Adopts the definition of "hate crime" as set forth in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (i.e., a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person). (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of a state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency, to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or other assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of a violent crime, a hate crime, or a crime that constitutes a felony under state, local, or tribal law. Directs the Attorney General, in providing such assistance, to give priority to cases involving crimes committed in more than one state and to rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering extraordinary investigation or prosecution expenses.Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies for extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Requires the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with grantees to address the needs and concerns of all affected parties in implementing grants. Sets forth requirements governing the submission and approval of grant applications. Limits the amount of any grant to $100,000 for any single jurisdiction in any one-year period. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) approve or deny a grant application within 180 days after receipt of such application; and (2) report to Congress by December 31, 2011, on the grant program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011.(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Office of Justice Programs to award grants to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012 to increase DOJ personnel to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in combating hate crimes. (Sec. 6) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit willfully causing bodily injury to any person through the use of fire, a firearm, a dangerous weapon, or an explosive or incendiary device because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any person. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for violations and a life term if a death results from a violation or certain other violent crimes are involved. Requires the Attorney General or other designated DOJ official to certify certain findings before initiating a prosecution for a hate crime. Sets a seven-year statute of limitations on prosecuting such an offense not resulting in death. Prohibits the admission of evidence as substantive evidence in a hate crime prosecution of the expression or associations of a defendant unless the evidence specifically relates to the hate crime offense. (Sec. 7) Provides that any provision of this Act that is held to be unconstitutional shall be severable from the remaining provisions of this Act. (Sec. 8) Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the exercise of constitutionally-protected free speech.
Title: To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.
Sponsor: Rep Reyes, Silvestre [TX-16] (introduced 7/21/2010)
Committees: House Natural Resources Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report 111-359
Latest Major Action: 12/9/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 683.
Senate Report 111-359
Summary: Amends the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to revise tribal membership requirements to provide tribal membership to any person of Tigua Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Indian blood enrolled by the tribe.
Title: A resolution recognizing National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage
Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska
Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the
United States.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Committees: (none)
Latest Major Action: 11/5/2009 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate,
considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous
Consent.
Summary: Recognizes the celebration of National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month during November 2009.
Honors the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and their contributions to the United States.
Related News Stories: Dorgan introduces and Senate passes resolution to recognize National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. (Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 11/06/09
Title: A bill to amend the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in
National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to
honor the legacy of Stewart L. Udall, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM]
Related Bills: H.R.1035?S.1818
Committees: Senate Environment and Public Works
Latest Major Action: 2/12/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Summary: Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to rename: (1) the Act, the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Act; (2) the Morris K Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund, the Morris K Udall and Stewart L. Udall Trust Fund; (3) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation; and (4) Morris K. Udall Scholars, Udall Scholars.
Requires the Executive Director of the Foundation to be paid at a senior executive rate.
Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, at the University of Arizona, to conduct training, research, and other activities with regard to the involvement of Native American and Alaska Native professionals in health care and public policy.
Allows the use of reasonable amounts of the Trust Fund for official reception and representation expenses, not to exceed $5,000 for a fiscal year.
Sets forth administrative provisions that allow the Foundation to: (1) appoint personnel without regard to federal law provisions governing appointments in the competitive service; (2) pay up to four employees, in addition to the Executive Director, at senior executive pay rates; and (3) rent office space in the District of Columbia or its environs.
Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to: (1) the Trust Fund; and (2) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund, for the operating costs of the United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution.
Title: A resolution recognizing National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the United States.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] (introduced 11/19/2010
Co-Sponsors: 15 Co-Sponsors listed: Here
Related Bills: S.RES.342
Committees: (none)
Latest Major Action: 11/19/2010 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Summary: Recognizes November 2010 as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
Celebrates the heritage and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Honors their contributions to this country.
Title: 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.
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND]
Related Bill: H.R. 3697 H.R. 3742
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs Senate Report: 111-247
Latest Major Action: 8/5/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 515.
Summary: Amends the Act commonly known as the Indian Reorganization Act to apply the Act to all federally recognized Indian tribes, regardless of when any tribe became recognized. (This effectively overrules the Supreme Court's decision in Carcieri v. Salazar, which held that the Secretary of the Interior could not take land into trust for a specified tribe because that tribe had not been under federal jurisdiction when the Act was enacted.)
Related News Stories: U.S. Senate bill to reaffirm right to take Indian land into trust could advance Middleboro casino for Mashpee Wampanoags (Enterprise News ) 01/06/2010. Senate Indian Affairs Committee To Consider Carcier Fix, Native Hawaiian Reorganization Bills, Conduct Hearing On Cobell Settlement (Indian Affairs) 12/17/09. U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan introduces Indian land bill (Oklahoman) 9/29/09. Dorgan bill responds to carceiri ruling, affrims Secretrary's authority to take Indain land into trust. (Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 9/29/09. Bill could help tribe secure land for casino (Cape Cod Times)
Title: A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to prevent the
use of Indian reservations located on the United States borders to facilitate
cross-border drug trafficking, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Schumer, Charles E. [ND]
Committees: Senate Judiciary
Latest Major Action:
6/16/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Summary: Cross Border Reservation Drug Trafficking Sentence Enhancement Act of 2009 -
Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to impose a fine and/or
10-year prison term (to be served consecutively to any other sentence for a
violation of such Act) on anyone who knowingly or intentionally traffics in a
controlled substance within a federal or state Indian reservation that borders
or traverses any portion of the U.S. international border.
Title: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011.
Sponsor: Sen Johnson, Tim [SD]
Related Bills: H.R.5822
Committees: Senate Appropriations Senate Report:111-226
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2010 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 469.
Summary: Page 32 of the bill contains a one sentence provision for Native American Veteran Housing Loan Progam. No other Native American matters in bill. The full summary is available at the link to the bill above. (Full summary is too long to include here.)
Back to Top
