Passed Legislation (by date)
Title: Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Mondernization Act
Sponsors: Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND]
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs | House - Education and the Workforce
Latest Major Action: 12/31/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-404. (All Actions)
Summary:
This bill requires the Department of the Interior to annually update the count of Indian students eligible for the Johnson-O'Malley Program (JOM Program). The JOM Program awards contracts to tribal organizations, schools, states, and others to support the cultural and academic needs of Indian students. The contract amounts are based on the number of students served.
Contracting parties must annually report to Interior on the number of students they serve. If they fail to submit the report, then Interior may not give them program funds for the next fiscal year.
The bill sets forth a process to revise funding allocations provided under the program.
Interior must consult with Indian tribes and state and local education agencies that have not participated in the program to determine their interest in entering into contracts.
The Bureau of Indian Education must determine how: (1) the regulatory definition of eligible student may be clarified for contracting parties, and (2) the program funding formula may be updated to ensure the full participation of contracting parties and provide clarity on the funding process.
News Articles: Cherokee Nation applauds passge of Johnson-O'Malley reform bill (Native News Online) 1/9/19, Heitkamp's bipartisan bill to support Native youth education passes in U.S. Senate (U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp) 4/2/18, Heitkamp, Lankford, Daines reintroduce bipartisan bill to build access to cultural educational opportunities for Native students (Sen. Heidi Heitkamp Press Release) 4/27/17
Title: Stigler Act Amdendments of 2018
Sponsors: Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
Committees: House - Natural Resources | Senate - Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 12/31/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-399 (All Actions)
Summary:
This bill amends the Act of August 4, 1947 (commonly known as the Stigler Act) to revise the qualifications that must be met by a person who inherits land originally allotted to members of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma (the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Cherokee, and Seminole tribes) for that land to remain in restricted status. When land is in restricted status, it is not subject to taxation and may not be sold or transferred without permission of the Department of the Interior.
Under current law, the restricted fee status of land allotted to the Five Tribes is maintained only if the individual holding title has at least 50% Indian blood from one of the Five Tribes. This bill removes this requirement. Thus, the restricted fee status is maintained for all lineal descendants of an original enrollee whose name appears on the membership rolls of the Five Tribes.
News Articles: Oklahoma leaders applaud vote to end blood metric for Five Tribes (Tulsa World) 12/25/18, Witness list for Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing (Indianz) 11/13/18, Bill passes amending blood quantam requirements on inherited restricted land (Cherokee Nation) 9/13/18, Cole applauds passage of Stigler Act amendment through committee (The Ada News) 6/16/18, House comittee set to advance Republican sponsored Indian bills (Indianz) 5/22/18, House subcommitte schedules hearing on bill affecting Indian land in Oklahoma (Indianz) 10/3/17, Cole, Lucas, Mulling and Russell introduce the Stigler Act Amendment of 2017 (The Ada News) 5/25/17
Title: A resolution commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
Sponsors: Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM]
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Senate - 12/13/2018 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (All Actions)
Summary:
Commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
News Articles: Senate passes resolution commeorating 40th Anniversary of Indian Child Welfare Act (Native News Online) 12/14/18
Title: To repeal section 2141 of the Revised Statutes to remove the prohibition on certain alcohol manufacturing on Indian lands.
Sponsors: Rep. Herrera Beutler, Jaime [R-WA-3]
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/11/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-304. (All Actions)
Summary:
(Sec. 2) This bill repeals a prohibition on creating or continuing a distillery in Indian country for manufacturing ardent spirits (distilled liquors).
News Articles: Presidential Trump signs two more Indian Country bills into law (Indianz) 12/12/18, Bill to allow tribal distilleries headed for Trump's approval (TDN) 11/29/18, Indian Affairs Committee passes bipartisan Cantwell, Murray legislation to repeal outdated 1834 ban on distilleries on Tribal land (U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell) 10/3/18, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs schedules meeting and hearing (Indianz) 10/1/18, Herrera Beutler's tribal distillery bill passes House (The Columbian) 9/13/18, Cantwell, Moran introduce legislation to repeal outdated
1834 ban on distilleries on Tribal land (U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell) 6/13/18, New bill repeals old prohibition on distilleries in Indian Country (Indianz) 3/19/18
Title: To repeal the Act entitled "An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State of Iowa over offenses committed by or against Indians on the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation."
Sponsors: Rep. Blum, Rod [R-IA-1]
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/11/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-301. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed House without amendment (11/01/2017)
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
This bill repeals the act titled "An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State of Iowa over offenses committed by or against Indians on the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation."
News Articles: Presidential Trump signs two more Indian Country bills into law (Indianz) 12/12/18, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves five bills at meeting (Indianz) 3/29/17
Title: Tribal Social Security Fairness Act of 2018.
Sponsors: Rep. Reichert, David G. [R-WA-8]
Committees: House - Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: 09/20/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-243. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed Senate without amendment (09/06/2018)
This bill directs the Social Security Administration, at the request of an Indian tribe, to enter into an agreement with the tribe for the purpose of extending Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits under Social Security to tribal council members.
In addition, the bill allows tribal council members to receive Social Security credit for taxes paid prior to the establishment of the agreement, if the taxes were timely paid in good faith and not subsequently refunded.
News Articles: Another Indian bill makes its way to President Trump's desk (Indianz) 9/11/18
Title: POWER Act. (See Sec.2 [B])
Sponsors: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Committees: Senate - Judiciary | House - Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 09/04/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-237. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed Senate without amendment (08/01/2017)
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent Act of 2017 or the POWER Act
(Sec. 3) This bill requires the U.S. Attorney's office in each judicial district to conduct, at least annually, a public event to promote pro bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney's office in a judicial district that contains an Indian tribe or tribal organization must conduct, at least once during each three-year period, a public event to promote pro bono legal services for Indian or Alaska Native victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
U.S. Attorneys' offices must, in conducting public events, seek to maximize the local impact and the provision of high-quality pro bono legal services to survivors.
(Sec. 4) U.S. Attorneys' offices must report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the public events they conduct. DOJ must compile and summarize the reports and submit them to Congress.
Title: To amend title 23, United States Code, to extend the deadline for promulgation of regulations under the tribal transportation self-governance program.
Sponsors: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4]
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Major Action: 08/14/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-235. (All Actions)
Summary:
Introduced in House (07/18/2018)
This bill extends the authority to promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the tribal transportation self-governance program.
Title: A bill to amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2020 to clarify the use of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund.
Sponsors: Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ]
Committees: None
Latest Major Action: 08/01/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-227. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed House without amendment (07/23/2018)
(Sec. 1) This bill amends the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to specify that settlement funds may be used for the planning, design, and construction of the tribe's rural water system.
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the Long-Term Leasing Act) to expand the land of the Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh pueblo that may be leased for up to 99 years with the approval of the Department of the Interior, from lands held in trust, to all of the lands of the Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh pueblo.
News Articles: Pueblo tribes welcome action on bill to boost economic development (Indianz) 7/25/18, 'Long overdue': Congress finalizes bill for Apache water project (Indianz) 7/24/18
Title: Oregon Tribal Economic Development Act.
Sponsors: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs | House - Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 06/01/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-179. (All Actions)
Summary:
(Sec. 2) This bill allows the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribes to lease, sell, convey, warrant, or transfer their real property that is not held in trust by the United States
News Articles: Oregon tribes allowed to buy, develop private property without federal approval (The Oregoninan) 5/22/18, Congress passes legislation that will return land control to Crow Creek Tribe (The Newss-Review) 5/17/18, Congress set to clear economic development bill for tribes in Oregon (Indianz) 5/15/18
Title: A resolution promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2018, which include bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations of the United States such as American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.
Sponsors: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Latest Major Action: Senate - 05/24/2018 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (All Actions)
Title: Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act
Sponsors: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs | House - Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 04/13/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-166. (All Actions)
Summary: Passed House amended (02/26/2018)
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the PROTECT Act to reauthorize the AMBER Alert grant program for FY2019.
The bill also modifies the program to:
1) add, as a new purpose area, the integration of tribal AMBER Alert systems into state AMBER alert systems;
2) make Indian tribes eligible for AMBER Alert grants;
3) permit the use of grant funds to integrate state or regional AMBER Alert communication plans with an Indian tribe; and
4) allow the waiver of the matching funds requirement for grants awarded to Indian tribes.
(Sec. 3) The Department of Justice must submit to Congress a report evaluating the readiness, education, and training needs, technological challenges, and specific obstacles encountered by Indian tribes in the integration of state or regional AMBER Alert communication plans
News Articles: Trump signs bill to expand child alert system to tribal land (U.S. News) 4/13/18, Heitkamp-McCain bill to expand AMBER Alerts in Indian Country passes in Senate (Indian Country Today) 4/10/18, U.S. House clears AMBER Alert in Indian Country bill (Native News Online) 2/27/18, State of the Union guest pushes for AMBER Alert in Indian Country (Indianz) 1/31/18, Navajo Nation signs contract to implement AMBER Alert system on reservation (Indianz) 12/14/17, Senate approves AMBER Alert for Native American reservations (8KPAX) 12/1/17, U.S. Senate committee advances bill to make Native tribes eligible for Amber Alert grants (KTOO Public Media) 6/15/17, Senator Heitkamp: We must do more to protect childern in Indian country (Native News Online) 6/2/17,Congressman Biggs introduces the Amber Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 (Congressman Andy Biggs) 6/1/17
Title: A resolution designating the week beginning February 11, 2018, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".
Sponsors: Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND]
Latest Major Action: Senate - 02/09/2018 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions)
News Articles: Heitkamp leads bipartisan group of Senators in recognizing National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week (U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp) 2/12/18
Title: Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017
Sponsors: Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Committees: House - Natural Resources | Senate - Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: 01/29/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-121. (All Actions)
Summary: Passed Senate without amendment (01/11/2018)
TITLE I--CHICKAHOMINY INDIAN TRIBE
(Sec. 103) This bill extends federal recognition to the Chickahominy Tribe. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized Indian tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 104) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 106) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 107) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE II--CHICKAHOMINY INDIAN TRIBE--EASTERN DIVISION
(Sec. 203) This bill extends federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 204) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 206) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 207) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE III--UPPER MATTAPONI TRIBE
(Sec. 303) This bill extends federal recognition to the Upper Mattaponi Tribe. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 304) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 306) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 307) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE IV--RAPPAHANNOCK TRIBE, INC.
(Sec. 403) This bill extends federal recognition to the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 404) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 406) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 407) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE V--MONACAN INDIAN NATION
(Sec. 503) This bill extends federal recognition to the Monacan Indian Nation. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 504) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 506) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 507) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE VI--NANSEMOND INDIAN TRIBE
(Sec. 603) This bill extends federal recognition to the Nansemond Indian Tribe. The tribe and its members are made eligible for the services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The bill establishes the service area of the tribe.
(Sec. 604) The bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.
(Sec. 606) The Department of the Interior, upon the request of the tribe, must take certain land owned by the tribe in Virginia into trust for the benefit of the tribe, to be considered part of the tribe's reservation.
The bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.
(Sec. 607) The bill does not affect the hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, or water rights of the tribe or its members.
TITLE VII--EMINENT DOMAIN
(Sec. 701) Eminent domain may not be used to acquire lands for a tribe recognized under this bill.
News Articles: Tribes in Virginia in line for big changes after gaining federal recognition (Indianz) 1/30/18, President signs legislation granting federal recognition to six Virginia tribes (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily) 1/30/18, Senate passes bill giving recognition to 6 Virginia tribes (WRAL) 1/11/18, Federal recognition bill for six tribes in Virginia inches another step forward (Indianz) 9/13/17, Senate Report on S.691(Congress.gov) 6/28/17, Bills to recognize Virginia tribes move forward in Congress (CBS19) 5/17/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves three bills at meeting (Indianz) 5/17/17
Title: Providing for consideration of the bill (S.140) to amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund.
Sponsors: Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
Committees: House - Rules
Latest Major Action: House - 01/10/2018 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (All Actions)
Summary: Introduced in House (01/09/2018)
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (S. 140) to amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund.
See Also: S.508
Title: Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act
Sponsors: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4]
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 01/08/2018 Became Public Law No: 115-103. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed Senate without amendment (12/21/2017)
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced.
The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)
Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act
TITLE I--COW CREEK UMPQUA LAND CONVEYANCE
(Sec. 102) This bill requires that 17,519 acres of land be held in trust for, and be part of the reservation of, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. This land is taken into trust when the Department of the Interior and the tribe enter an agreement that secures certain access to the land.
(Sec. 104) Federal law applies to the export of unprocessed logs harvested from this land and to forest management on this land. Gaming on this land is prohibited. This land is not subject to the land use planning requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 or the Act of August 28, 1937.
(Sec. 105) Interior must reclassify public domain land as Oregon and California Railroad grant land in equal acreage as grant land taken into trust under this bill.
TITLE II--OREGON COASTAL LAND CONVEYANCE
(Sec. 202) This bill requires that 14,742 acres of land be held in trust for, and be part of the reservation of, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. This land is taken into trust when Interior and the tribes enter an agreement that secures existing Interior access to the land and secures access for activities including land management, surveys, and transit of public vehicles.
(Sec. 204) Federal law applies to the export of unprocessed logs harvested from this land and to forest management on this land. Gaming on this land is prohibited. This land is not subject to the land use planning requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 or the Act of August 28, 1937.
(Sec. 205) Interior must reclassify public domain land as Oregon and California Railroad grant land in equal acreage as grant land taken into trust under this bill.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO COQUILLE RESTORATION ACT
(Sec. 301) This bill amends the Coquille Restoration Act to remove the requirement that Interior manage the Coquille Forest in accordance with state and federal forestry and environmental protection laws. Federal law applies to the export of unprocessed logs harvested from this land. Sales of timber from this land must be advertised, offered, and awarded according to competitive bidding practices.
This bill strikes a provision giving the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon jurisdiction over certain actions concerning the Coquille Forest and limiting remedies to equitable relief.
News Articles: Forest land now under tribe control (The World) 1/9/18, Major tribal land and forestry bill headed for President Trump's desk (JPR) 12/29/17, Senate endorses forest quity for Coquille Tribe (KCBY) 12/22/17, House approves land-into-trust bills for tibes amid concerns about process (Indianz) 7/14/17, Tribal fairness, wild steelhead acts move toward Senate (News-Review) 3/30/17
See Also: S.91
Title: Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017
Sponsors: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: 12/18/2017 Signed by President. (All Actions)
Summary:
Passed Senate without amendment (11/29/2017)
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 27, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to rename the Act to the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Act of 1992 and to revise the program that provides for the integration of employment, training, and related services programs for Indian tribes.
(Sec. 6) The bill revises the types of programs that may be integrated.
(Sec. 8) The bill revises the process for: (1) federal agencies to grant or deny a tribe's request to waive statutory, regulatory, or administrative requirements to efficiently implement an integration plan; and (2) the Department of the Interior to approve or disapprove an integration plan. A tribe is granted certain hearing and appeal rights if Interior disapproves its plan.
(Sec. 10) Tribal authority to use funds to place participants in training positions with employers is revised.
(Sec. 13) The Bureau of Indian Affairs must receive and distribute funds for use in accordance with an approved integration plan.
(Sec. 14) Funds transferred to a tribe must be treated as non-federal funds for purposes of meeting matching requirements, except funds administered by the Department of Labor or the Department of Health and Human Services.
Civil liability limitations apply to approved integration plans.
News Articles: Indian Country makes final push for Farm Bill on Capital Hill (Indianz) 12/12/18, Tribal jobs program becomes permanent with President Trump's signature (Indianz) 12/19/17, Tribal employment measure offically presented to President Trump for his signature (Indianz) 12/7/17, Senate passes tribal employment and training legislation (TAKU 105) 12/6/17, Tribal employment measure gives President Trump his first chance to sign an Indian bill (Indianz) 11/30/17, Young ushers second bill through House in less than two weeks, continues ahead with aggressive legislative agenda (Alaska Business) 2/28/17
Title: A resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Sponsors: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Latest Major Action: Senate - 10/31/2017 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions)
News Articles: Hoeven, Udall, and bipartisan group of Senators introduce resolution to honor Native American Heritage Month (US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 10/25/17
Title: Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017.
Sponsors: Rep. Brady, Kevin [R-TX-8]
Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs; Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: 09/29/2017 Became Public Law No: 115-6. (All Actions)
Summary: This bill extends several federal aviation programs, aviation taxes, and public health programs. It also modifies requirements for purchasing flood insurance and provides tax incentives for individuals and businesses affected by recent hurricanes.
The bill extends several expiring Federal Aviation Administration programs and authorities through March 31, 2018. The bill also amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through March 31, 2018, the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and the taxes that finance the fund, including: fuel taxes, ticket taxes, and taxes related to fractional ownership programs.
The bill extends several public health programs, including: (1) the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, (2) the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and (3) the Medicare Patient Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Demonstration Project. The bill also reduces funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund.
With respect to flood insurance, the bill specifies that private flood insurance offered outside of the National Flood Insurance Program satisfies the requirement for homeowners to maintain flood insurance coverage on properties that have federally-backed mortgages and are located in a flood zone.
The bill modifies several tax provisions and rules for individuals and businesses in areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, including provisions regarding: early withdrawals and loans from retirement plans, employment-related tax credits, deductions for charitable contributions, deductions for personal casualty losses, and income requirements for the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit.
News Articles: Congress approves yet another short-term extension for Indian diabetes program (Indianz) 10/9/17
Title: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017
Sponsors: Rep. Cook, Paul [R-CA-8]
Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs; Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 115-31 (PDF) on 5/5/17
Summary: (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a HIRE Vets Medallion Program to solicit voluntary information from employers for purposes of recognizing through a HIRE Vets Medallion Award verified efforts by these employers to: (1) recruit, employ, and retain veterans; and (2) provide community and charitable services supporting the veteran community.
Labor shall annually: (1) solicit, verify, and review award applications from employers, (2) notify award recipients, and (3) issue awards at a time coinciding with Veterans Day.
An employer who receives an award is not eligible for an award the following year.
(Sec. 3) Labor shall establish two levels of awards for employers of 500 or more employees, to be designated the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award and the Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Criteria for such awards shall include the percentage of hired employees who are veterans, the percentage of veteran employees who are retained, the establishment of related veterans' assistance and training programs, the employment of dedicated human resources professionals for veterans, and income and tuition support for veterans.
Labor shall establish similar awards to recognize achievements in supporting veterans by: (1) employers with 50 or fewer employees, and (2) employers with more than 50 but fewer than 500 employees.
Labor shall establish the design of each award certificate.
(Sec. 4) The bill prohibits an employer from publicly displaying an award as a part of any advertisement or business activity in order to convey the false impression that the employer received such award for any year for which such employer did not receive it.
(Sec. 5) The bill establishes the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Fund. Labor may assess a reasonable application fee to carry out the award program and shall deposit such fees into the fund.
(Sec. 8) The bill excludes from the definition of "employer" the federal government or any state government.
News Articles: Udall, Heinrich, Luján Announce Funding for Substance Abuse Treatment at IHS and Partner Facilities, Including NCI in Gallup (Sen. Tom Udall Press Release) 5/17/17, Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $23 Million Increase in Impact Aid that will Benefit Western NY Schools (Sen. Gillibrand Press Release) 5/10/17, Trump injects 'race' into debate with questions about Indian funding (Indianz) 5/8/17, Funding bill directs Department of Justice to 'support' commission on Native youth (Indianz) 5/3/17, Funding bill holds the line for Indian Country ahead of Trump cuts (Indianz) 5/2/17
Proposed Legislation (by topic)
Business & Economics
Title: Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2017.
News Articles: Tribal energy legislatio goes to President's desk (U.S. Representative Don Young) 12/10/18, Senate approves bill to streamline tribal energy development (The Bismarck Tribune) 11/30/17, Key Republican hoping to get Indian energy bill through Congress (Indianz) 5/10/17, U.S. lawmakers seek looser energy development rules for tribal lands (Reuters) 5/9/17
Title: Native American Business Incubators Program Act.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves five bills at meeting (Indianz) 3/29/17, Udall, Tester, Cantwell introduce measure to create jobs by fostering entrepreneurship in Indian Country (LA Daily Post) 3/17/17
See Also: H.R.1824
Title: Responsibly addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act of 2017.
News Articles: National Indian Cannabis Coalition applauds the inclusion of Indian Country in the "Path to Marijuana Reform" legislation (PRWeb) 4/7/17, New legislation would force the federal government to treat marijuana like alcohol (Huffington Post) 3/30/17
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the Indian coal production tax credit.
Title: PACED Act (Preserving Access to Cost Effective Drugs)
News Articles: Senators introduce bill to abrogate tribal sovereign immunity (Patent Docs) 3/14/18
Title: Indian Economic Enhancement Act of 2017.
News Articles: Senate passes Indian Country economic development legislation (The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development) 3/23/18, Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2017 (Congressional Budget Office) 6/22/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves three bills at meeting (Indianz) 5/17/17,The National Center Applauds Approval of Key Indian Country Economic Development Legislation (NCAIED) 5/17/17
Title: Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2107
News Articles: The biggest Federal tax overhaul in 30 years: Native American tribes are not included (Indian Country Today) 12/14/17
Title: Tribal Economic Assistance Act of 2017.
News Articles: The biggest Federal tax overhaul in 30 years: Native American tribes are not included (Indian Country Today) 12/14/17, Tribes don't want to be left behind as Washington turns to tax policy reform (Indianz) 10/26/17
Title: Tobacco Excise Tax and Parity Act of 2017. SEE IV EXCLUSIONS REGARDING INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL MATTERS.
See Also: S.63
Title: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2017.
News Articles: Labor concerns trump tribal sovereignty in Congress (High Country News) 4/20/18, U.S. Senate fails to pass Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (Native News Online) 4/17/18, Tribes looking for more support to pass controversial sovereignty bill (Indianz) 2/14/18, Congress looks to make unionizing tribal casinos difficult (Washinton Examiner) 1/20/18, Republicans stir drama by adding controversial Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of unrelated bill (Indianz) 1/11/18, Federal labor law collides with tribal sovereignty (Inside Sources) 3/29/17, Native American leaders urge Congress to pass the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (Committee on Education and the Workforce Press Release) 3/29/17, Republican lawmaker renews push for Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act (Indianz) 2/14/17
Title: Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2017
Title: Jobs for Tribes Act
News Articles: House subcommittee takes up bill aimed at improving tribal economies (Indianz) 1/17/18, The National Center hails introduction of the Jobs for Tribes Act (Native News Online) 12/4/17
Title: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act
News Articles: Trump administration supports sovereignty for tribes in Texas (Indianz) 9/14/18, Tribes once again ask Congress to recognize sovereign rights in Texas (Indianz) 9/10/18
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Community Development
Title: The John P. Smith Act.
See Also: H.R.1630
Title: Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act.
News Articles: Senate passes bill to improve safety and sanitation at Columbia River tribal fishing sites (U.S. Senator Patty Murray) 12/1/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves five bills at meeting (Indianz) 3/29/17, Poor sanitation, safety targeted in bill to improve Columbia River tribal fishing sites (The Oregonian) 3/22/17, Northwestern members of Congress reintroduce bill to improve safety and sanitation at Columbia River tribal fishing sites (Public Now) 3/21/17
Title: Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act of 2017
Title: Tribal Law and Order Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2017.
News Articles: Uduall urges enhanced public safety, more resources for crime and victim services in Indian Country (LA Daily Post) 10/26/17
Title: Allowing Alaska IVORY Act.
News Articles: Alaska Natives barred from selling traditional goods on popular website (Indianz) 2/7/18
Title: Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act.
News Articles: Sens. Franken, Murkowski make bipartisan push to bring justice to Native survivors of sexual violence (U.S. Senator Al Franken) 10/19/17
Title: A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide snow removal assistance to Indian tribes under a Federal emergency declaration, and for other purposes.
Title: Cultivating Resources, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Sustainability (CROPS) for Indian Country Act.
News Articles: Indian Country makes final push for Farm Bill on Capital Hill (Indianz) 12/12/18, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs moves quickly on pro-tribal farm bill (Indianz) 5/15/18, Udall, Hoeven introduce legislation to support Native farmers, ranchers, and communities (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 5/9/18
Title: Tribal Digital Access Act.
News Articles: Inland Congressman introduces bill to provide broadband access to tribal members (Patch) 3/17/17
Title: AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017.
Title: Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2017
Title: To authorize the United States Postal Service to provide certain nonpostal property, products and services on behalf of State, local, and tribal governments.
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Education
Title: A resolution designating the week beginning on February 5, 2017, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".
See Also:
H.R.1169
Title: Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act.
See Also: H.R.2727
Title: Native Educator Support and Training Act (NEST).
News Articles: Congressional Budget Comittee Cost Estimate for NEST (CBO) 6/23/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves three bills at meeting (Indianz) 5/17/17, Sen. Jon Tester introduces legislation to strengthen Native education (Indian Country Today) 2/22/17
Title: Native American Education Opportunity Act.
News Articles: John McCain, James Lankford offer option for students stuck in Native American schools (Washington Examiner) 6/19/17
Title: To distribute Federal funds for elementary and secondary education in the form of vouchers for eligible students and to repeal a certain rule relating to nutrition standards in schools.
News Articles: School choice proposal devastating for American Indian students (Indian Country Today) 3/27/17
See Also: S.660
Title: Native American Indian Education Act.
Title: Dine College Act of 2018.
Title: STOP School Violence Act of 2018 (See Section 2 [6]: Subgrants)
News Articles: Uduall, bipartisan group of senators introduce critical school safety legislation (KRWG) 3/6/18
Title: Tribal Connect Act of 2018.
News Articles: Heinrich, Heller work to advance bipartisan bill to improve high-speed internet in Indian Country (U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich) 6/12/18
See Also: S.3030
Title: Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act.
Federal Indian Relations
See Also: H.R.2689
Title: Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves five bills at meeting (Indianz) 3/29/17, Rounds' RESPECT Act legislation passes Indian Affairs Committee unanimously (Sen. Mike Rounds Press Release) 3/29/17, Rounds aims to expunge 'offensive' Native American laws (Washington Examiner) 2/6/17
Title: Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2017
Title: PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs gets back to work after 'work' break (Indianz) 4/9/18
Title: A bill to repeal the Act entitled "An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State of North Dakota over offenses committed by or against Indians on the Devils Lake Indian Reservation".
News Articles: Witness list for Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing (Indianz) 11/13/18
Title: To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes, and for other purposes [Carcieri remedies].
Title: To reaffirm the trust status of land taken into trust by the United States pursuant to the Act of June 18, 1934, for the benefit of an Indian tribe that was federally recognized on the date that the land was taken into trust, and for other purposes [Carcieri remedies].
Title: To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.
Title: Expediting Funding For Efficient Contracting Tribes (EFFECT) Act.
Title: American Indian Empowerment Act of 2017.
News Articles: Tribal leaders call land-use bill step in right directoin (Los Angeles Times) 10/29/17, Tribes press Congress for greater authority - including taxation- over their lands (Indianz) 10/25/17, Secretary Zinke vows support for sovereignty after 'off-ramp' comments about trust lands (Indianz) 5/9/17
Title: Honoring Our Trust Relationships Act of 2017 (HOT-R Act).
Title: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2017.
Title: Settlement Trust Improvement Act of 2017.
Title: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018.
See following sections: State and Tribal Wildlife Grants; Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education; State and Tribal Assistance Grants; Indian Health Service; Other Related Agencies
News Articles: Trump administration embraces spending bill with increases for Indian programs (Indianz) 9/14/17
See Also: S.2385
Title: Authenticating Local Emergencies and Real Threats Act of 2018
Title: Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018
Title: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019
See following sections: Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health Service, Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development
News Articles: Murkowski's interior bill passes Senate, major milestone (U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski) 8/1/18, Funding package with increases for Indian Country slated for action (Indianz) 7/9/18
Title: Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act.
News Articles: Bipartisan bill aims to address backlog at national parks (Indianz) 7/26/18
Title: Tribal Tax Empowerment and Jobs Act of 2018
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Health & Welfare
Title: Protecting Access to Care at Federal, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health Facilities.
News Articles: Sen. Udall offers amendment to protect health care for Indian Country (Native News Online) 1/12/17
See Also: H.R.1476
Title: Native American Health Savings Improvement Act.
Title: Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2017
News Articles: Udall to fight for justice for victims of radiation exposure in key Senate hearing (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 6/26/18
Title: Tribal Veterans Health Care Enhancement Act.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approves five bills at meeting (Indianz) 3/29/17
Title: Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act of 2017.
News Articles: Rounds IHS oversight bill passes committee (Rapid City Journal) 9/30/18, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs set to advance three bills (Indianz) 9/24/18, Another Indian Health Service hospital placed in 'immediate jeopardy' status (Indianz) 11/6/17, Bill seeks comprehensive audit of Indian Health Service amid debate on Obamacare (Indianz) 3/1/17
Title: Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Reauthorization.
News Articles: Lawmakers push to renew Special Diabetes Program for Indians (Indianz) 5/18/17
Title: Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Land Transfer Act of 2017.
See Also: H.R.2662
Title: Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs gets back to work after 'work' break (Indianz) 4/9/18, Winnebago Tribe asserts self-determination in hopes of fixing troubled hospital (Indianz) 11/15/17, Another Indian Health Service hospital placed in 'immediate jeopardy' status (Indianz) 11/6/17, Thune makes case for IHS reform bill (The Daily Republic) 6/13/17, Panels examine bills to improve critical tribal health care and housing programs (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 6/13/17, Senate holds hearing on Barrasso's Indian Health Service Accountability Act (Senator John Barrasso) 6/13/17, US lawmakers agree fixes needed in health service for Native Americans (South-South News) 6/8/17 , Barrasso, Thune, Hoeven introduce bill to increase accountability and transparency in the Indian Health Service (Senator John Barrasso) 5/25/17
Title: BUIILD Act of 2017.
News Articles: Hawaii leaders say state is under 'attack' with loss of federal funds (Honolulu Civil Beat) 6/13/17, Panels examine bills to improve critical tribal health care and housing programs (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 6/13/17, Hoeven introduces bill to address tribal housing needs (U.S. Senate Comittee on Indian Affairs) 5/26/17
Title: Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2017.
News Articles: Senate passes Tester, Isakson, Hoeven, Udall bill to combat Native American veteran homelessness (U.S. Senator Jon Tester) 5/24/18, Panels examine bills to improve critical tribal health care and housing programs (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 6/13/17, Senators team up to combat Native American veteran homelessness (BBS News) 6/13/17
Title: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018
News Articles: Tester moves forward legislation to increase access to affordable housing in Indian Country (U.S. Senator Jon Tester) 6/7/18
Title: SURVIVE Act
News Articles: Cortez Masto cosponsors bipartisan legislation to improve tribal victim services (U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto) 1/30/19, Senate committee approves bill to fund victim services programs in Indian Country (Indianz) 12/7/17, Uduall urges enhanced public safety, more resources for crime and victim services in Indian Country (LA Daily Post) 10/26/17, Cortez Masto cosponsors bipartisan Survive Act for Tribal Victim Services (U.S. Senator Cortez Masto) 9/28/17,
Hoeven: Reports highlight need for better data to combat human trafficking in Indian Country (United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 9/27/17
See Also: H.R.3864
Title: Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2017.
See Also: H.R.4485
Title: Savanna's Act
News Articles: Murkowski to revive bill intended to help Native women (Anchorage Daily News) 12/28/18, Sitka woman testifies in DC about missing, murdered Alaska Native women (Juneau Empire) 12/19/18, U.S. Senate unanimously approves bill to place more protections on Native American women (KTVQ) 12/7/18, Bill to address missing and murdered sisters scheduled for action (Indianz) 11/12/18, Uduall urges enhanced public safety, more resources for crime and victim services in Indian Country (LA Daily Post) 10/26/17, Sen. Heitkamp introduces bill to address 'epidemic' of missing and murdered Native women (Indianz) 10/5/17
Title: Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act
News Articles: Udall, Murkowski, Cortez Masto bill would restore tribal jurisdiction over domestic violence incidents on tribal land to children and law enforcement (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 12/14/17
Title: Mitigating METH Act
News Articles: Daines introduces bill to combat meth use in state (Sidney Herald) 1/1/18
Title: Tribal Food and Housing Security Act
News Articles: Heitkamp: Bipartisan Senate farm bill prioritizes Indian Country (U.S. Senate Heidi Heitkamp) 6/19/18
Title: Native Behavioral Health Access Improvement Act of 2018.
Title: Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act
Title: Native Behavioral Health Access Improvement Act of 2018
Title: Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2018.
Title: Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act.
Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee Act of 2018
News Articles: Udall fights to improve VA services for Native American veterans (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 7/26/18
Title: End Trafficking of Native Americans Act.
News Articles: Lawmakers propose new ways to help Native American women (VOA) 9/11/18, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Lisa Murkowski introduce bill to combat human trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives (Elle) 7/26/18
Title: Child Care Supply Improvement Act of 2018
Title: Rural MOMS Act (See Sec. 3)
Title: SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act
News Articles: Udall: Opioid package gives tribes resources to build treatment, prevention solutions (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 10/5/18
Title: Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2017.
Title: Indian Health Service Hiring Freeze Exemption Act.
Title: Indian Health Care Improvement Act Reauthorization and Amendments.
Title: Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2017.
Title: Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act.
See Also: S.1250
Title: Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2017.
News Articles: Winnebago Tribe asserts self-determination in hopes of fixing troubled hospital (Indianz) 11/15/17, Another Indian Health Service hospital placed in 'immediate jeopardy' status (Indianz) 11/6/17
Title: Nursing Home Care for Native American Veterans Act.
News Articles: O'Halleran, Jones introduce bill to build Veteran nursing homes on tribal lands (U.S. Congressman Tom O'Halleran) 5/25/17
Title: Tribal Social Security Fairness Act
News Articles: Reichert, Kilmer, Cole, Delbene introduced Tribal Social Security Fairness Act (U.S. Representative Dave Reichert) 6/9/17
Title: Drug-Free Indian Health Service Act of 2017
Title: Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act of 2017
Title: Native American Suicide Prevention Act of 2017
News Articles: Empower tribal communities to address the suicide crisis (Indianz) 9/18/18, Rep. Gallagher seeks to increase awarness of Native American youth suicide (U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher) 9/14/17, Grijalava introduces bipartisan legislation to address suicide prevention in Indian country (Congressman Raul M. Grijalva) 7/28/17
Title: Native Health Access Improvement Act of 2017
News Articles: Ranking Member Pallone, Dr. Ruiz introduce bills to reduce tribal helath disparities (Congressman Raul Ruiz) 9/8/17
Title: Native Health and Wellness Act of 2017
News Articles: Ranking Member Pallone, Dr. Ruiz introduce bills to reduce tribal helath disparities (Congressman Raul Ruiz) 9/8/17
Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to extend funding for the special diabetes program for Indians.
Title: Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2017
See Also: S.2146
Title: Urban Indian Health Parity Act
News Articles: Udall, Lujan introduce legislation to address health disparities for Native Americans living in ubran areas off reservations (Newswires) 11/23/17
Title: Savanna's Act
Title: SURVIVE Act
News Articles: Lawmakers propose new ways to help Native American women (VOA) 9/11/18
Title: Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 2018 (See Sec.4 A.i.)
See Also: S.2409
Title: Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018
News Articles: Sens. Udall, Cortez Masto, Smith, Rep. Lujan Grisham introduce bill to help Native students access healthy foods (Senator Tom Udall) 2/9/18
Title: Tribal Uranium Exposure Treatment Enhancement Act of 2018
Title: TARA Act
News Articles: Mullin introduces legislation to allow tribes access to federal opioid grants (Native News Online) 3/7/18
Title: Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2018
News Articles: House comittee set to advance Republican sponsored Indian bills (Indianz) 5/22/18
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018 (See Title IX)
News Articles: Another tribe asserts authority over non-Indians as VAWA remains in limbo (Indianz) 12/7/18,'Native women can't wait': Bill expands tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians (Indianz) 7/26/18
Title: Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act.
Title: Ohio River Basin Preparedness Act
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Lands & Natural Resources
Title: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation".
News Articles:
Repeal of BLM methane rule will pass Senate — Barrasso (Environment & Energy News) 4/27/17, ND tribes want Congress to keep methane waste prevention rule (Public News Service) 4/27/17
Title: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue of the Department of the Interior relating to consolidated Federal oil and gas and Federal and Indian coal valuation reform.
Title: Alaska Oil and Gas Production Act.
News Articles: Alaska Natives ask Nevadans to help protect their homeland (Public News Service) 5/22/17
Title: A bill to amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund.
News Articles: Republicans stir drama by adding controversial Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of unrelated bill (Indianz) 1/11/18, Senate approves water bill for one tribe and land bill for two others (Indianz) 5/9/17, Senate passes Flake-McCain bill to complete the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Settlement (Sen. McCain Press Release) 5/9/17
See Also: H.R.1787
Title: A bill to provide that the pueblo of Santa Clara may lease for 99 years certain restricted land, and for other purposes.
News Articles: Udall bill to clarify Tribal Lands Leasing Authority for two New Mexico Pueblos passes Congress (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 7/26/18, Republicans stir drama by adding controversial Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of unrelated bill (Indianz) 1/11/18, Senate approves water bill for one tribe and land bill for two others (Indianz) 5/9/17
See Also: H.R. 236
Title: A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain property to the Tanana Tribal Council located in Tanana, Alaska, and to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation located in Dillingham, Alaska, and for other purposes.
Title: San Juan County Settlement Implementation Act.
Title: Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs schedules meeting and hearing (Indianz) 10/1/18, Tribal nations hold some of the best water rights in the West (High Country News) 5/23/18, Navajo Nation President testifies before Congress on protecting Utah Navajo water rights (Native News Online) 12/7/17, Hoeven holds hearing to examine Indian Water Rights Settlement legislation (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 12/6/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs takes up two tribal water rights settlements (Indianz) 12/5/17, US to pay Navajo Nation almost $200mn for water rights in Utah (RINF) 4/1/17, Hatch and Chaffetz Introduce Navajo Water Settlement Legislation (Sen. Orin Hatch Press Release) 3/30/17
See Also: H.R.1867
Title: Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act.
Title: Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act.
News Articles: Bill that would compenstate Spokane Tribe for Grand Coulee Dam losses passes Senate (KXLY) 10/5/18
Title: Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act.
Title: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt Indian tribes from compensatory mitigation requirements in connection with certain discharges of dredged or fill material, and for other purposes.
Title: AANCSA Shishmaref Emergency Access Easement Act of 2017
See Also: S.1487, S.1494, S.1495 , S.1496
Title: ANCSA Unrecognized Community Landless Natives Authorization Act of 2017
Title: ANCSA Thirteenth Regional Corporation Reincorporation Act of 2017
Title: Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017
News Articles: Tribal nations hold some of the best water rights in the West (High Country News) 5/23/18, Hoeven holds hearing to examine Indian Water Rights Settlement legislation (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 12/6/17, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs takes up two tribal water rights settlements (Indianz) 12/5/17, Colorado River: Hualapai Tribe settles water rights claim (Coyote Gulch) 9/12/17
Title: Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Water Rights Settlement Agreement Act
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs set to advance three bills (Indianz) 9/24/18, Trump administration won't commit to permanent funding for tribal water rights (Indianz) 7/19/18, Tribal nations hold some of the best water rights in the West (High Country News) 5/23/18
Title: Native American Livestock Assistance Act of 2018
News Articles: Bill introduced to provide assistance to Native American ranchers (High Plains/Midwest AG Journal) 1/21/18
Title: Whaling Convention Amendments Act of 2018
Title: Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act
News Articles:Senate Committee on Indian Affairs set to advance three bills (Indianz) 9/24/18
See Also: H.R.5485
Title: Hemp Farming Act of 2018
Title: Chaco Cultrual Heritage Protection Act of 2018
News Articles: NM Tribal leaders in D.C. to urge protection of Greater Chico (Public News Service) 9/26/18, Momentum for Chaco Protection Act (U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich) 8/22/18, Udall, Heinrich introduce legislation to protect Chaco Canyon Area (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 5/22/18
Title: A bill to require the transfer of certain land to be held in trust for the benefit of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota, and for other purposes.
Title: Indian Water Rights Settlement Extension Act
News Articles: Trump administration won't commit to permanent funding for tribal water rights (Indianz) 7/19/18
Title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Site Security".
Title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Measurement of Oil".
See Also: H.R.875
Title: Gaining Responsibility on Water (GROW) Act of 2017.
Title: Eastern Band Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act.
News Articles:Yet another tribal homelands measure slated for action on Capital Hill (Indianz) 4/16/18, House subcommitte schedules hearing on bill affecting Indian land in Oklahoma (Indianz) 10/3/17
Title: Native American Energy Act.
News Articles: House committee approves Native American Energy Act in near party-line split (Indianz) 10/5/17, Key Republican hoping to get Indian energy bill through Congress (Indianz) 5/10/17, U.S. lawmakers seek looser energy development rules for tribal lands (Reuters) 5/9/17
Title: Chugach Region Lands Study Act.
Title: American Indian Empowerment Act of 2017.
News Articles: Leader of Bureau of Indian Affairs among witnesses for controversial tribal land bill (Indianz) 10/23/17, House subcommittee takes up controversial American Indian Empowerment Act (Indianz) 10/19/17
Title: Shee Atiká Land Entitlement (SALE) Act.
Title: Canyon Village Land Conveyance Act.
Title: Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation Gravel Exchange Amendment Act.
Title: Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act.
Title: Lytton Rancheria Homelands Act of 2017.
News Articles: Lytton Band agrees to permanent ban on gaming as homelands bill awaits action (Indianz) 8/8/18, Lytton Band moves closer to success with tribal homelands legislation (Indianz) 7/9/18, House approves land-into-trust bills for tibes amid concerns about process (Indianz) 7/14/17
Title: Small Tracts Conveyance Act.
Title: Pascua Yaqui Tribe Land Conveyance Act.
News Articles: House approves land-into-trust bills for tibes amid concerns about process (Indianz) 7/14/17
Title: To amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Alexander Creek, Alaska, is and shall be recognized as an eligible Native village under that Act, and for other purposes.
Title: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians.
News Articles: Santa Ynew Band of Chumash Indians welcomes action on homelands bill (Indianz) 6/14/18
Title: San Luis Drainage Resolution Act.
News Articles: Hoopa Valley Tribe battles dangerous environmental assault (Native News Online) 11/2/17
Title: Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act.
News Articles: U.S. House approves Poarch Creek Land Reaffirmation Act (NortheEscambia.com) 1/17/18, House set to approve land 'reaffirmation' bill for Poarch Band of Creek Indians (Indianz) 1/15/18
Title: Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act.
News Articles: Alaska Natives ask Nevadans to help protect their homeland (Public News Service) 5/22/17
Title: To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from revising the approved oil and gas leasing program for fiscal years 2017 through 2022.
Title: National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act.
Title: Samish Indian Nation Land Conveyance Act of 2017.
Title: San Juan County Settlement Implementation Act.
News Articles: House subcommitte schedules hearing on bill affecting Indian land in Oklahoma (Indianz) 10/3/17
See Also: S.1375
Title: Save Oak Flat Act
News Articles: Grijalva bill reverses giveaway of sacred tribal land to foreign-owned mining company – Sen. Sanders offering Senate companion (U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders) 6/15/17
Title: Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2017
News Articles:Winnebago Tribe seeks return of land in Iowa (Sioux City Journal) 9/24/17
Title: Yurok Lands Act
News Articles: Huffman reintroduces bill that would expand Yurok Tribe reservation, acquires Republican co-sponsor (Lost Coast Outpost) 9/28/17
Title: Tribal Heritage and Grizzly Bear Protection Act.
News Articles: Tribes stand their ground for Gizzly Bears-and us (Counter Punch) 2/5/18, Lawmakers, Indian tribes, HSU call for national ban on trophy hunting of grizzly bears in lower 48 states (The Humane Society) 10/3/17
Title: Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2017
Title: Gila River Indian Community Federal Rights-of-Way, Easements and Boundary Clarification Act
News Articles: Witness list for Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing (Indianz) 11/13/18
Title: Central Coast Heritage Protection Act. (See SEC. 12: Use by members of Tribes.)
Title: Environmental Justice Act of 2017
News Articles: Booker, Ruiz introduce landmark envrionmental justice bill (U.S. Senator Cory Booker) 10/24/17
Title: Industrial Hemp Water Rights Act.
Title: Wildland Fires Act of 2017 (See Sec. 3 Definitions: (5) Indian Tribe)
Title: Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act
Title: Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park and Tribes Indigenous Ceremonial Center Study Act
See Also: S.2140
Title: To provide for an exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.
See Also: S.2176
Title: SAFE Act
Title: Bears Ears National Monument Expansion Act
Title: Shash Jaa National Monument and Indian Creek National Monument Act
News Articles: Native American tribes remain opposed to H.R.4532 at its second hearing (Native News Online) 1/30/18, House panel schedules a second hearing on GOP bill to gut Bears Ears (Indianz) 1/18/18, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye urges Congress to reject bill to downsize Bears Ears National Monument (Navajo-Hopi Observer) 1/16/18, Only one tribal leader invited to hearing on GOP bill to gut Bears Ears National Monument (Indianz) 1/8/18, Native American tribes call Trump's revamp of tribal advisory commission a 'slap in the face' (PBS) 12/11/17
Title: Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017
See Also: S.2628
Title: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act
News Articles: Support grows for legislation for Mashpee tribe (Cape Cod Times) 6/21/18, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces local questions about homelands bill (Indianz) 4/24/18, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hails bill to reaffirm status of homelands (Indianz) 3/21/18
Title: Lyon County Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Act.
News Articles: 'A blatant slap in the face': Tribes oppose land transfer bill in Nevada (Indianz) 5/16/18, Tribes slam Amodei plan to give polluted Nevada land to oil company (Reno Gazette Journal) 5/14/18
Title: Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act.
Title: Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act
News Articles: New legislation would repeal disastrous Arctic Refuge tax bill drilling provision (Native News Online) 5/23/18
Title: National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act
Title: Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2018
Title: Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Water Rights Settlement Agreement Act
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Tribal Recognition
Title: Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2017.
News Articles: Utah Senator blocks vote on Montana tribe's recognition (U.S. News) 12/23/18, Senate committee advances bill to recognize Montana's Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians (KTVH) 2/9/17, Tribe's decades-long recognition bid goes before US Congress [Little Shell Chippewa Tribe] (Missoulian) 2/8/17
See Also: H.R.2352
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act.
News Articles: Lumbee recognition bill gets hearing in Washington (Fay Observer) 9/26/17, Govenor Cooper pushes for full Federal recognition of Lumbee Tribe (NC Governor Roy Cooper) 5/25/17, Burr, Pittenger file bill to grant full federal recognition to Lumbee tribe (Fayetteville Observer) 5/4/17
Title: A bill to permit the Miami Nation of Indiana to apply for acknowledgment as a federally recognized Indian tribe, and for other purposes.
Title: Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act.
Title: Clatsop-Nehalem Restoration Act.
Title: Ruffey Rancheria Restoration Act of 2017
News Articles: Tribes seek another hearing on controversial federal recognition bill (Indianz) 5/3/18
Title: Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act.
News Articles: House panel to take up Lumbee recognition (Robesonian) 9/20/17
Title: Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2017
News Articles: Little Shell Chippewa Tribe sees major progress on federal recognition bill (Indianz) 9/10/18, Little Shell Chippewa Tribe sees progress on federal recognition bill (Indianz) 7/9/18
Title: Tribal Recognition Act of 2017
News Articles: Land-into-trust fix added to controversial federal reocgnition bill (Indianz) 6/13/18, House comittee set to advance Republican sponsored Indian bills (Indianz) 5/22/18, New Trump hire at Bureau of Indian Affaris makes first appearance on Capital Hill (Indianz) 9/25/17
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General Native American Affairs
See Also: H.Res.222
Title: A resolution designating May 5, 2017, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls".
Title: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that States, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, and institutions of higher education in the United States should work towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Title: A resolution designating May 5, 2018 as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls".
Title: A resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States.
News Articles: Senators Udall and Murkowski introduce legislation honoring Native women (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 3/29/18
Title: A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Indian Civil Rights Act and voting rights for American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the country.
Title: A resolution recognizing National Native Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Title: Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Repeal Act.
News Articles: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs holds business meeting for Klamath Tribes bill (Indianz) 10/23/17
Title: Drone Federalism Act of 2017.
News Articles: Senate bill provides parity: Tribal government regulation of UAS on tribal lands (JD Supra) 6/8/17
See Also: H.R.2860
Title: Tribal Social Security Fairness Act.
News Articles: Thune introduces bill to give tribal leaders equal access to social security (Foregin Affairs NZ) 6/8/17
Title: STOP Act of 2017.
News Articles: Tribal items still going up for sale as lawmakers advance STOP Act (Indianz) 5/17/18, Udall leads Indian Affairs Committee hearing on STOP Act (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 11/8/17, Heinrich introduces bipartisan legislation to safeguard tribal items (U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich) 6/21/17
Title: A bill to abrogate the sovereign immunity of Indian tribes as a defense in inter partes review of patents.
Title: Plymouth 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act o 2017
Title: Tribal Connect Act of 2017
News Articles: Legislation introduced to increase high-speed internet access in Indian Country (Native News Online) 12/10/17
Title: Native American Voting Rights of Act of 2018
News Articles: Udall, Senate Democrats introduce Native American Voting Rights Act (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 10/3/18
Title: A bill to establish a demonstration program regarding background checks for certain employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
See Also: S.Res.596
Title: Recognizing the 29th anniversary of the Tribal Canoe Journey of the Tribal Nations of the Pacific Northwest and congratulating the Puyallup Tribe of Indians for hosting the 2018 Power Paddle to Puyallup.
News Articles: Senators Murray, Cantwell and Representative Heck introduce resolution to reocgnize Tribal Canoe Journey (U.S. Senatory Patty Murray) 7/26/18
Title: Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Title: State, Tribal, and Local Species Transparency and Recovery Act.
See Also: S.684
Title: National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act.
See Also: S.876
Title: Tribal Adoption Parity Act.
News Articles: Adoption fairness bill: Bipartisan legislation for tribal special needs children (Indian Country Today) 4/16/17
Title: Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act. See SEC. 5. TREATY RIGHTS OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED INDIAN TRIBES.
News Articles: Bipartisan Salmon Predation Prevention Act passed by US Senate Committee (NW Sports Magazine) 8/1/18, Columbia tribe's chair testifies for sea lion management bill (Northwest Sportsman) 6/8/17
Title: Yurok Tribe Klamath River Chinook Salmon Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2017.
Title: 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017 (See SEC. 203 6, 12, 13)
News Articles: McCain & bipartisan group of senators reintroduce bill to expand national service opportunites for American youth and veterans (U.S. Senator John McCain) 6/22/17
Title: Interior and Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Commerce, Justice, Science, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State and Foreign Operations, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Afairs, Legislative Branch, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2018
News Articles: Udall secures major funding for Indian Country in Interior Appropriations Bill (U.S. Senator Tom Udall) 6/14/18
Title: To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide headstones and markers for the graves of spouses and children of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries.
Title: National Monument Creation and Protection Act
News Articles: Bishop introduces bill to scale back Antiquities Act (Moab Sun News) 10/26/17, Bears Ears remains in limbo as Republicans leave tribes out of monument bill (Indianz) 10/13/17
Title: Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act of 2017.
Title: To amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts, and for other purposes.
News Articles: House committee sets markup on bill to protect Alaska Native artists (Indianz) 4/16/18
Title: No Haven for Dangerous Fugitives Act of 2018
News Articles: Navajo Nation joins opposition to controversial 'fugitives' bill in Congress (Indianz) 2/26/18, Native Sun News Today: Tribal sovereignty threatened by new bill (Indianz) 2/5/18, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe slams GOP bill with 'racits undertones' (Indianz) 1/30/18
Title: To assist Indian tribes in maintaining, expanding, and deploying broadband systems.
News Articles: Bipartisan bill would boost tribal broadband infrastructure (Payson Roundup) 3/12/18
Title: ANTIQUITIES Act of 2018
News Articles: Antiquities Act preserves important cultural sites (Albuquerque Journal) 9/7/18
Title: To amend the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act to move the enforcement office to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to increase the civil monetary penalties for failure to follow the processes established by that Act, and for other purposes.
News Articles: 'No one is above the law': Bill aims to strengthen federal repatriation law (Indianz) 7/31/18
Title: Native American and Native Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Protection Act of 2018.
News Articles: Pearce introduces bill to protext New Mexico cultural heritage (U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce) 10/19/18
Title: Native American Voting Rights Act of 2018
News Articles: Lujan, House Democrats introduce legislation to protect Native American voting rights (U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujan) 11/14/18
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