Legislation that passed during the 112th Congress (2011-2012)
Title: HEARTH (Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home ownership) Act of 2011
Sponsors: Rep. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM-1]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-151 (Text of Law: PDF)
Summary: 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. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a tribe, upon the tribe's request, with technical assistance in developing a regulatory environmental review process.
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.
Directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to report to Congress on the history and experience of Indian tribes that have chosen to assume the BIA's responsibility for operating the Indian Land Title and Records Office.
Related News and Information: Act seeks more tribal control, shorter waits (Taos News) 8/08/12. Strengthening tribal communities through the HEARTH Act (White House Blog) 7/30/12. President Obama signs HEARTH Act giving Indian tribes more land independence (ABC15.com) 7/30/12. How will the Jobs Act affect Indian Country? (Cherokee One Feather) 9/16/2011. Facilitating the Leasing of Tribal Lands (Friends Committee on National Legislation ) 6/20/2012.
Title:To provide the Quileute Indian Tribe Tsunami and Flood Protection, and for other purposes.
Sponsors: Rep. Dicks, Norman D. [D-WA-6]
Committees: House Natural Resources
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-97 (Bill-Text: PDF)
Summary: Removes certain federal land within Olympic National Park, Washington, that is designated as part of the Olympic Wilderness from inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Takes specified federal land within the Park into trust for the Quileute Indian Tribe.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take specified nonfederal land owned by the Tribe into trust for the Tribe, upon completion and acceptance of an environmental hazard assessment.
Includes those lands taken into trust for the Tribe 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 taking of the lands into trust for the Tribe and a formal Tribal Council resolution.
Prohibits gaming on lands taken into trust for the Tribe pursuant to this Act.
Related News and Information: President Signs into Law Cantwell-Backed Bill to Move Quileute Tribe Out of Tsunami Zone (U.S. Fed News) 2/26/12. . Quileute tribal chairwoman to testify to Senate committee about need for higher ground. (Peninsula Daily News) 4/13/2011.
Title: Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
Sponsors: Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]
Committees: House Appropriations, House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-10 )Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Section 1202 decreases Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies' appropriations for the Office of Tribal Relations.
Section 1273 makes the following provisos included in P.L. 111-80 inapplicable to funds appropriated by this division for water system funds for rural and Native villages in Alaska.
Section 1332 eliminates Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies' appropriations for offender incarceration on tribal lands.
Section 1633 prohibits the use of Firefighter Assistance Grant funding to enforce requirements regarding prohibiting the use of funds provided to fire departments to hire new, additional firefighters to supplant state or local funds or funds supplied by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the case of Indian tribal governments.
Section 1704 decreases Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies' appropriations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants.
Section 1738 decreases EPA appropriations for state and tribal assistance grants for environmental programs and infrastructure assistance, including: (1) the Clean Water State Revolving Funds; (2) the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; (3) activities in connection with construction of high priority water and wastewater facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border; (4) grants to Alaska to address the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs of rural and Alaska Native Villages; (5) grants for diesel emissions reduction; (6) grants for media pollution prevention, control and abatement and related activities; and (7) grants for particulate matter monitoring and data collection activities.
Section 1740 rescinds a specified amount of unobligated balances available for EPA for state and tribal assistance grants.
Section 1823 appropriates Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies' funds for congregate nutrition, home-delivered nutrition, and Native American nutrition.
Section 2236 decreases Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies' appropriations for Native American housing block grants.
Section 2259 restricts the use of amounts available for research, evaluation, and program metrics and program demonstrations to the completion of ongoing projects, evaluations, and assessments. (In FY2010 the use of such amounts included mandatory assessment of the housing needs of Native Americans, including sustainable building practices).
Section 8030 authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to Indian tribes located in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington relocatable military housing units currently located at Grand Forks, Malmstrom, Mountain Home, Elllsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases that are excess to the needs of the Air Force. Requires the Operation Walking Shield Program to resolve any housing unit conflicts arising after such conveyance.
Title: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2011
Sponsors: Rep. Peterson, Collin C. [D-MN-7]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-179 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe for the amount, plus interest, that the Tribe contributed for the payment of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses associated with the litigation of Docket No. 19 and No. 188 before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the distribution of judgment funds.
Requires the Tribe's claim for reimbursement of expended funds to be certified by the Tribe as being unreimbursed to it from other funding sources.
Requires payment of interest on such funds at the rate of 6% per year from the date such funds were expended until they are reimbursed to the Tribe.
Requires use of the judgment funds to reimburse the Tribe for those attorneys' fees and litigation expenses.
Related News and Information: Obama signs Minnesota Chippewa Tribe trust fund bill into law (Indianz.com) 10/09/12. Senate passes three Indian measures during late night session (Indianz.com) 9/24/2012. U.S. House agrees on tribal settlement funds. (The Bemidji Pioneer) 6/20/2012.
Title: Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012
Sponsors: Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]
Committees: House Appropriations, Senate Appropriations
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-33 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) An amendment numbered 18 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to award a noncompetitively bid contract to an Alaska Native Corporation, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian Organization in an amount in excess of the competitive bidding threshold.
Related News and Information: Appropriations and Continuing Resolutions (Friends Committee on National Legislation ) 10/25/2011.
Title: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012
Sponsors: Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7]
Committees: House Appropriations, Senate Appropriations
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-74 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Makes appropriations for FY2012 in specified amounts for various purposes to the Smithsonian Institution, including for the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program. It also akes appropriations for FY2012 to EPA for:state and tribal assistance grants for environmental programs and infrastructure assistance, including capitalization grants for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.
The Act rescinds separate, specified amounts within the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account from unobligated Brownfields, Mexico Border, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, categorical grant, and Clean Water State Revolving Funds balances.
Section 113 requires, beginning July 1, 2008, any funds (except for construction funds) held by a P.L. 100-297 tribally controlled grant school or a P.L. 93-638 tribally controlled contract school, upon retrocession to or re-assumption by the BIE, to remain available for a five-year period for the benefit of the programs approved for such a school on October 1, 1995.
Section 118 revises the prohibition against notification by a financial institution, director, officer, employee, or agent, or by a federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government officer or employee, to any person involved in a suspicious transaction that the transaction has been reported to a government agency. Extends the prohibition to formerly as well as currently employed individuals.
Section 119 exempts certain reports on and records of monetary instruments from disclosure requirements under any state, local, tribal, or territorial "freedom of information," "open government," or law similar to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Section 435 bars the IHS, until October 1, 2013, from disbursing funds for the provision of health care services pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to any Alaska Native village or Alaska Native village corporation located within an area served by an Alaska Native regional health entity. Treats Eastern Aleutian Tribes Inc., the Council of Athabasan Tribal Governments, and the Native Village of Eyak as entities to which funds may be disbursed.
Title: Bridgeport Indian Colony Land Trust, Health, and Economic Development Act of 2011
Sponsors: Rep. McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [R-CA-25]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-212 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: Declares approximately 39.36 acres of federal land in Mono County, California, to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Bridgeport Indian Colony.
Prohibits class II or III gaming from being conducted on such lands.
Retains the responsibility of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the oversight and renewal of all easements and rights-of-way with the Bridgeport Public Utility District that exist on the date of this Act's enactment.
Title: Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act
Sponsors: Rep. Davis, Geoff [R-KY-4]
Committees: House Budget, House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-34 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: (excerpted to highlight relevance) Treats as a state any Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium operating a program under SSA title IV part E.
Related News and Information: Congress Approves Tribal Court Improvement Program (Turtle Talk Blog ) 10/5/2011.
Title: Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011
Sponsors: Rep. Mica, John L. [R-FL-7]
Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure, House Ways and Means
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-30 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: (excerpted to highlight relevance) Extends the apportionment of nonurbanized area formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations.
Title: To allow the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to determine the requirements for membership in that tribe.
Sponsors: Rep. Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-7]
Committees: House Natural Resources, Senate Indian Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-214 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: Makes any U.S. citizen of Pascua Yaqui blood who is enrolled by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe eligible for the federal services and benefits made available to members of federally recognized tribes.
Title: Barona Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Clarification Act of 2012
Sponsors: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne. [D-CA]
Committees: Senate Indian Affairs, House Natural Resource
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-232 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: Amends the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 to revise the description of the land to be held in trust for the Barona Band of Mission Indians of California.
States that the parcel of private, non-Indian land that is excluded from the revised description was not intended to be held in trust for the Band or considered to be part of its reservation.
Related News and Information: Senate passes three Indian measures during late night session (Indianz.com) 9/24/2012.
Title: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa. [R-AK]
Committees: Senate Energy and Natural Resources, House Natural Resource
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-133 (Text of Bill: PDF)
Summary: 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 the easements identified in Appendix E to the Agreement that were developed by the parties to the Agreement in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out all actions required by the Agreement.
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Proposed legislation that did not pass during the 112th Congress
Business & Economics
H.R. 7
Title: American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012
Related News Stories: Major Tribal Self-Governance Bill Stuck in Political Quagmire (Indian Country Today) 02/27/12.
H.R.12
Title: American Jobs Act of 2011
See also: S.1549 / S.1660
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Requires the Secretary of Labor to make certain Fund allocations to . . . Native American program grantees to provide: (1) subsidized employment to unemployed, low-income adults; and (2) summer and year-round employment opportunities to low-income youth.
Related News Stories: How will the Jobs Act affect Indian Country? (Cherokee One Feather) 9/16/2011. The American Jobs Act and Indian Country. (Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs) 9/09/2011.
H.R.598
Title: To eliminate the preferences and special rules for Alaska Native Corporations under the program under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
Related News Stories: Proponents defend ANC contracting program in Congressional hearing. (Alaska Journal) 4/14/2011.
H.R.1039
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the Indian employment credit and the depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation.
H.R.1870
Title: Increase American Energy Production Now Act of 2011.
H.R.2230
Title: Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2011
H.R.2295
Title: Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Revises and reauthorizes workforce investment systems with respect to: ... (5) national job training programs, including the Job Corps and programs for Native Americans, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and veterans.
H.R.2362
Title: Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011
H.R.2368
Title: Put America to Work Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Put America to Work Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to states, local government units, and Indian tribes to create employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents of distressed communities.
H.R.2828
Title: Local Jobs for America Act.
H.R.3407
Title: Alaskan Energy for American Jobs Act
H.R.4059
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.
H.R.4295
Title: Consolidate Heavy-handed and Outdated Programs Act of 2012
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) SEC. 212. OFFICE OF INDIAN ENERGY POLICY AND PROGRAMS. (a) In General- There is established within the Department an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (referred to in this section as the `Office'). (b) Director- The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary. (c) Duties- The Director, in accordance with Federal policies promoting Indian self-determination and the purposes of this Act, shall provide, direct, foster, coordinate, and implement energy and environmental planning, education, management, conservation, and delivery programs of the Department that-- (1) promote Indian tribal energy development, efficiency, and use; (2) reduce or stabilize energy costs; (3) enhance and strengthen Indian tribal energy and economic infrastructure relating to natural resource development and electrification; and (4) bring electrical power and service to Indian land and the homes of tribal members located on Indian land or acquired, constructed, or improved (in whole or in part) with Federal funds.
H.R.4381
Title: Planning for American Energy Act of 2012
S.62
Title: Indian Reservation Bank Branch Act of 2009
S.236
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.
S.1293
Title: Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2011
S.1337
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend existing elective tax treatment for Alaska Native Settlement Trusts.
S.1549
Title: American Jobs Act of 2011.
See also: H.R.12 / S.1660
Related News Stories: The American Jobs Act and Indian Country. (Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs) 9/09/2011.
S.3504
Title: Native American Indian Education Act of 2012
Related News Stories: Fort Lewis tuition waiver finds a supporter in the White House (Durango Herald) 8/22/12.
S.3521
Title: Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012
S.3654
Title: A bill to create equal footing for tribal economic development.
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Community Development
H.R.1599
Title: Indian Country Economic Development Act.
H.R.2620
Title: To provide for treatment of members of a certain Indian tribe under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996.
S.65
Title: Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2011.
Related News Stories: Chairman Akaka Holds Indian Affairs Field Hearing on Native Hawaiian Homeownership (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 4/19/2012.
S.730
Title: Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act.
S.867
Title: Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2011
S.1192
Title: Alaska Safe Families and Villages Act of 2011
S.1813
Title: MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century)
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) (A) TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM- For the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, $450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
S.1863
Title: New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011
S.2090
Title: A bill to amend the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act to extend the period of time provided to the Indian Law and Order Commission to produce a required report, and for other purposes.
S.2298
Title: Connecting Rural America Act
S.3240
Title: Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012
Related News Article: Statement by Senator Akaka on the Inclusion of Tribal Amendments in the Farm Bill (
TMC News) 6/22/2012.
S.3373
Title: A bill to require the Attorney General to issue a report on the Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission.
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Education
H.R.472
Title: Impact Aid Fairness and Equity Act of 2011
Summary: To reauthorize the Impact Aid Program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
H.R.1342
Title: Local Taxpayer Relief Act
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Local Taxpayer Relief Act - Amends the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies [LEAs] for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the formula for determining the payments due LEAs for federal ownership of property when appropriations for a fiscal year are insufficient to provide them with full compensatiion . . .
Divides 80% of the construction funds evenly between LEAs impacted by military dependent children and LEAs impacted by children residing on Indian lands, with the remainder reserved for emergency repair and modernization grants to LEAs serving Indian lands or experiencing a specified influx of new students due to federal activities . . .
H.R.1556
Title: To amend the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act to allow certain land to be used to generate income to provide funding for academic programs, and for other purposes.
H.R.1821
Title: Family Engagement in Education Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish Local Family Engagement Centers and a national Indian Family Engagement Coordinating Council for Indian schools.
H.R.1891
Title: Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act
H.R. 2430
Title: To amend the percentage of funds appropriated under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 required to be reserved for outlying areas and the Secretary of the Interior.
H.R. 2445
Title: State and Local Funding Flexibility Act
H.R.3322
Title: Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) (2) TRIBAL SCHOOL READINESS PLANNING DEMONSTRATION- After making the reservations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve 5 percent for a competitive grant demonstration program for Indian tribes to develop and implement school readiness plans and programs that-- (A) increase access to high-quality State early learning programs that improve health, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical out comes and school readiness; and (B) support Native culture in a tribally administered early learning program, including American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
H.R.3568
Title: Native Culture, Language, and Access for Success in Schools Act
H.R.3821
Title: After School for America's Children Act of 2012
H.R.3878
Title: Chemawa Indian School Trust Transfer and Self-Determination Act of 2012
H.R.3896
Title: To amend section 8007 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to extend eligibility for emergency and modernization grants to local educational agencies in which at least 10 percent of the property in each such agency is nontaxable due to the presence of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3989
Title: Student Success Act
S. RES. 605
Title: A resolution designating the week beginning November 26, 2012, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week"
S.470
Title: Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act.
S.484
Title: A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to pay to Fort Lewis College in the State of Colorado an amount equal to the tuition charges for Indian students who are not residents of the State of Colorado.
S.619
Title: STEM 2 Act
Summary: To assist coordination among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics efforts in the States, to strengthen the capacity of elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools to prepare students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for other purposes.
S.885
Title: Indian School Bus Route Safety Reauthorization Act of 2011.
S.902
Title: School Building Fairness Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Reserves 1% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools.
S.946
Title: Office of Rural Education Policy Act
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Requires the Director to...coordinate its activities with Indian schools and the Department of the Interior's responsibilities regarding such schools
S.1262
Title: Native Culture, Language, and Access for Success in Schools Act (CLASS Act)
Related News Article: NARF pushes Native American CLASS Act (Indian Country Today) 08/11/11
S.1370
Title: After School for America's Children Act
S.1519
Title: Building upon Unique Indian Learning and Development Act
S.1568
Title: State Innovation Pilot Act of 2011
Summary: To amend section 9401 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 with regard to waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements.
S.1724
Title: School Accountability Improvements Act
Related News Stories: Indian Affairs Committee Approves New Education Bill (Friends Committee on National Legislation ) 10/25/2011.
S.3578
Title: An original bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
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Federal Indian Relations
H.Con.Res.8
Title: Entitled the "English Plus Resolution".
H.R.373
Title: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011
H.R.501
Title: Implementing the Recommendations of the BP Oil Spill Commission Act of 2011
H.R.726
Title: To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to make technical corrections, and for other purposes.
H.R.785
Title: 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.
H.R.887
Title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to submit a report on Indian land fractionation, and for other purposes.
H.R.1053
Title: To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes".
H.R.1174
Title: Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act.
H.R.1234
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.
Related News Story: Congress: Panel considers reversing Supreme Court on tribal land trusts. (Press-Enterprise) 7/13/2011
H.R.1560
Became Public Law No: 112-157 [PDF]
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.
H.R.1550
Title: National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act
Summary: To prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from taking action on public lands which impede border security on such lands, and for other purposes.
Related News Stories: Sen. Tester: 'Security' bill poses a threat to tribal sovereignty (Indianz.com) 12/1/11
H.R.1851 / H.R.1882
Title: Land-In-Trust Schools and Local Governments Equitable Compensation Act
H.R.2320
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend existing elective tax treatment for Alaska Native Settlement Trusts.
H.R.2335
Title: Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2011
Related News Stories: Noem bill targets ruling on tribal sovereignty. (The Argus Leader) 06/23/11
H.R.2380
Title: Requirements, Expectations, and Standard Procedures for Executive Consultation with Tribes Act
H.R.2444
Title: Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2011
H.R.2584
Title: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
H.R.2928
Title: To provide relief to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada for settlement of certain claims against the United States.
H.R.3186
Title: Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2011
See also: S.1706
H.R.3532
Title: American Indian Empowerment Act of 2011
Summary: To empower federally recognized Indian tribes to accept restricted fee tribal lands, and for other purposes.
Related News and Information: The American Indian Empowerment Act ? a 'Radical' Tribal Land Plan (Indian Country Today) 3/4/12. American Indian Empowerment Act introduced (Indian Country Today) 12/01/11.
H.R.3734
Title: Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act
See also: S.2024
H.R.4033
Title: Giving Local Communities a Voice in Tribal Gaming Act
H.R.4194
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.
H.R.6274
Title: To amend the Indian Arts and Crafts Act to clarify the definition of Indian and Indian organization for the purposes of that Act.
H.R.6399
Title: To amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to reauthorize a provision to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages.
H.R.6617
Title: Indian Trust Asset Reform Act
S.60
Title: A bill to provide relief to the Pottawatomi Nation in Canada for settlement of certain claims against the United States.
S.61
Title: Native American Economic Advisory Council Act of 2011
Related News and Information: Sen. Inouye Introduces Bill to Establish Native American Economic Advisory Council, (BNA Convergence), January 27, 2011.
S.356
Title: A bill to amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to make technical corrections, and for other purposes.
S.771
Title: Tribal Gaming Eligibility Act.
Related News Stories: Senators seek to restrict off-reservation tribal casino development (Casino Journal) 4/11/2011. Kyl co-sponsors bill to limit tribal casinos (The Glendale Star) 4/13/2011.
S.785
Title: Freedom from Government Competition Act.
S.892
Title: Consolidation of Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2011
S.1327
Title: A bill to amend the Act of March 1, 1933, to transfer certain authority and resources to the Utah Dineh Corporation, and for other purposes.
S.1546
Title: Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpt to highlight relevance) Sec. 602. Classified National Security Information Program for States, local governments, Indian tribes, and private sector entities.
S.1684
Title: Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2011
Related News Stories: Senate Indian Affairs Committee approves Indian energy bill (Indianz.com) 9/20/2012. Senate Holds Hearing on Barrasso Indian Tribal Energy Bill (Targeted News Service) 4/20/2012. Energy in Indian Country (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 11/2011.
S.1739
Title: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 2011
Related News Stories: Indian Affairs Committee holds legislative hearing on settlement and land into trust bills (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 02/02/12.
S.2024
Title: Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act
See also: H.R.3734
S.2389
Title: A bill to deem the submission of certain claims to an Indian Health Service contracting officer as timely.
S.3546
Title: A bill to amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to reauthorize a provision to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages.
S.3573
Title: Empower States Act of 2012
S.3685
- Added 12/6/12 -
Title: A bill to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes.
Related News Stories: Senator Daniel Akaka sponsors self-governance bill (Native News Network) 12/19/12
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Health & Welfare
H.RES.171
Title: Supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Awareness Month in April 2011 in order to bring attention to the severe health disparities faced by minority populations such as American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks or African-Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
H.R.518
Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribes to receive charitable contributions of apparently wholesome food.
H.R.536
Title: Indian Healthcare Improvement Act of 2011
H.R.676
Title: Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act
H.R.1953
Title: To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include procedures for requests from Indian tribes for a major disaster or emergency declaration, and for other purposes.
Related News Stories: Legislative change proposed to allow tribes to apply directly to President for disaster funds (Cherokee One Feather) 12/14/2011.
H.R.2486
Title: Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Data Act of 2011
H.R.2954
Title: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011
H.R.4031
Title: To provide that claims presented to an Indian Health Service contracting officer pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act on or before October 31, 2005, involving claims that accrued after October 1, 1995 and on or before September 30, 1999, shall be deemed timely presented.
H.R.4154
Title: SAVE Native Women Act
See also: S.1763
H.R.4467
Title: Native American Suicide Prevention Act of 2012
Related News Stories: Baca Introduces Legislation to Enhance Suicide Prevention Efforts for Native American Communities (
Highland Community News) 4/19/2012.
H.R.4982
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012
See also: S.2338
Related News Stories: Violence Against (Some) Women Act -- Reauthorized in the House (
Friends Committee on National Legislation) 5/16/2012. Violence Against Women Act Trips on a Technicality (
Friends Committee on National Legislation ) 6/20/2012.
H.R.6309
Title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the special diabetes programs for Type I diabetes and Indians under that Act.
H.R.6625
Title: Violence Against Indian Women Act of 2012
S.66
Title: Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization Act of 2011.
S.71
Title: Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Data Act of 2011.
S.728
Title: A bill to grant a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated.
S.896
Title: Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2011
Summary: (excerpted to highlight relevance) Authorizes cooperative agreements and competitive grants for Indian tribes and qualified youth or conservation corps to establish Indian Youth Service Corps programs.
S.1013
Title: State Child Welfare Innovation Act
S.1227
Title: Better Health in the Arctic Act
S.1298
Title: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act
S.1596
Title: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
S.1599
Title: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
S.1763
Title: Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act
See also: H.R.4154
Related News Stories: Sen. Akaka Introduces SAVE Native Women Act (Turtle Talk Blog ) 11/1/2011. URGENT: U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs? Hearing on S. 1763, the Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act (Turtle Talk Blog ) 11/9/2011. Strengthening the Violence Against Women Act for Native Women (Friends Committee on National Legislation) 11/2011.
S.1925
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011
Related News Stories: Update on Native Women and the Violence Against Women Act (Friends' Committee on National Legislation ) 04/13/2012.
S.2256
Title: Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act
S.2257
Title: Excellence in Mental Health Act
S.2338
Title: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012
S.2474
Title: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2012
S.3299
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Indian tribes to receive charitable contributions of apparently wholesome food.
S.3562
Title: Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012
Relevant section: TITLE VI--GRANTS FOR NATIVE AMERICANS
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Lands & Natural Resources
H.R.49
Title: American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act
H.R.296
Title: Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act
See also: S.292
H.R.444
Title: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act.
H.R.475
Title: Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act
H.R.1158
Title: Montana Mineral Conveyance Act
H.R.1421
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.
H.R.1461
Title: Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act
Related News Stories: Bill may allow Mescalero Tribe to lease water rights. (Ruidoso News) 4/13/2011.
H.R.1505
Title: National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act
Related News Stories: HR 1505: The Latest Tribal Border War. (Indian Country Today) 6/19/2012.
H.R.1858
Title: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011.
H.R.1991
Title: Cocopah Lands Act.
H.R.2938
Title: Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act
H.R.3301
Title: Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act of 2011
See also: S.399
H.R.3334
Title: Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
H.R.3398 / S.1851
Title: Klamath Basin Economic Restoration Act of 2011
H.R.3446
Title: Fair Payment for Energy and Mineral Production on Public Lands Act
Summary: (excerpted to highlight relevance) SEC. 522. WITHDRAWAL PETITIONS BY STATES, POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, AND INDIAN TRIBES. (a) In General- Subject to valid existing rights, any State or political subdivision of a State or an Indian tribe may submit a petition to the Secretary for the withdrawal of a specific tract of Federal land from the operation of the general mining laws, in order to protect specific values identified in the petition that are important to the State or political subdivision or Indian tribe. Such values may include the value of a watershed to supply drinking water, wildlife habitat value, cultural or historic resources, or value for scenic vistas important to the local economy, and other similar values. In the case of an Indian tribe, the petition may also identify religious or cultural values that are important to the Indian tribe. The petition shall contain the information required by section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1714).
H.R.3496
Title: America's Wildlife Heritage Act
H.R.3604
Title: Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act
H.R.3815
Title: Elko Motocross and Tribal Conveyance Act
H.R.3973
Title: Native American Energy Act
Related News Stories: One Step Closer to Energy Development in Indian Country (Friends Committee on National Legislation ) 6/20/2012. H.R. 3973, Native American Energy Act (Congressional Budget Office) 9/19/2012.
H.R.4027
Title: To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes".
Related News Stories: Bill to exchange tribal land earns plaudits (The Salt Lake Tribue) 3/21/2012.
H.R.4067
Title: Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012
H.R.4187
Title: Return of Certain Lands At Fort Wingate to The Original Inhabitants Act
Related News Stories: Congress holds hearing on Fort Wingate army depot lands (Indian Country Today) 8/09/12
H.R.4222
Title: To provide for the conveyance of certain land inholdings owned by the United States to the Tucson Unified School District and to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, and for other purposes.
H.R.5992
Title: Samish Indian Nation Homelands Act of 2012
H.R.6141
Title: To provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon.
S.36
Title: Native Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2011.
S.134
Title: Mescalero Apache Tribe Leasing Authorization Act
S.399
Title: Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act of 2011
See also: H.R.3301
S.617
Title: Elko Motocross and Tribal Conveyance Act.
S.676
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.
Related news Stories: Senate Carcieri Report blames Supreme Court for mess in Indian country (Indian Country Today) 05/24/12. Carcieri crisis oversight hearing commences with concerns, concludes with bicameral/bipartisan charge for legislative fix. (Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 10/13/11. Senate Indian Affairs Committee addresses land-into-trust fix. (Indianz.com). 10/14/11.
S.872
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 considered to be held in trust and to provide for the conduct of certain activities on the land.
S.897
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 and acid mine remediation programs.
S.908
Title: A bill to provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon.
Related News Stories: Indian Affairs Committee holds legislative hearing on settlement and land into trust bills (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 02/02/12.
S.1008
Title: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation.
S.1063
Title: Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act of 2011
S.1209
Title: A bill to clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes".
S.1345
Title: Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Equitable Compensation Settlement Act
S.1455
Title: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments Act of 2011
Bill Summary: (excerpt from the bill) To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize certified States and tribes to use amounts made available from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund for hard rock and coal mining reclamation projects and to extend liability protection to certified States and Indian tribes carrying out approved abandoned mine reclamation programs.
S.1572
Title: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
Summary: (excerpted to highlight relevance) pacific coastal salmon recovery fund - For necessary expenses associated with the restoration of Pacific salmon populations, $65,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013: Provided, That of the funds provided herein the Secretary of Commerce may issue grants to the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Alaska, and Federally recognized tribes of the Columbia River and Pacific Coast (including Alaska) for projects necessary for conservation of salmon and steelhead populations, for restoration of populations that are listed as threatened or endangered, or identified by a State as at-risk to be so-listed, for maintaining populations necessary for exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, or for conservation of Pacific coastal salmon and steelhead habitat, based on guidelines to be developed by the Secretary of Commerce: Provided further, That all funds shall be allocated based on scientific and other merit principles and shall not be available for marketing activities: Provided further, That funds disbursed to States shall be subject to a matching requirement of funds or documented in-kind contributions of at least 33 percent of the Federal funds.
S.1898
Title: A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain property from the United States to the Maniilaq Association located in Kotzebue, Alaska.
Related News Stories: Water - A Life Issue in the Southwest (Friends' Committee on National Legislation) 6/27/2012. Indian Affairs Committee holds legislative hearing on land and tribal membership bills (U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs) 03/22/2012. Sen. Murkowski Introduces Bill to Provide for Land Conveyance from U.S. to Maniilaq Association in Alaska (Targeted News Service) 11/18/2011.
S.2109
Title: Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012
Related News Stories: Tribal water-rights bill all but dead for this Congress (Tuscon Sentinel) 8/22/12. HR 1505: The Latest Tribal Border War (Indian Country Today) 6/19/12. Village of Hotevilla formally rejects SB 2109 (Navajo-Hopi Observer) 5/2/12.
S.2110
Title: Northern Cheyenne Land Consolidation Act
S.2283
Title: A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include procedures for requests from Indian tribes for a major disaster or emergency declaration, and for other purposes.
Related News Stories: Who Gets to Declare a Natural Disaster in Indian Country? (Friends' Committee on National Legislation) 04/13/2012.
S.3193
Title: Barona Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Clarification Act of 2012
Related News Stories: Senate passes three Indian measures during late night session (Indianz.com) 9/24/2012.
S.3209
Title: Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012
S.3305
Title: A bill to clarify authority granted under the Act entitled "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes."
S.3385
Title: Authorized Rural Water Projects Completion Act
S.3469
Title: Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2012
S.3483
Title: Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act
S.3525
Title: Sportsmen's Act of 2012
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Tribal Recognition
H.R.27
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act.
See also: S.1218
H.R.766
Title: Mowa Band of Choctaw Indians Recognition Act
H.R.783
Title: Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2011
H.R.1250
Title: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2011
Related News Stories: Senator Akaka, Hawaii delegation reintroduce Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act. (Targeted News Service) 3/31/2011
H.R.1306
Title: Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act
H.R.2322
Title: Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act
H.R.2591
Title: Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act
See Also: S.880
H.R.2999
Title: Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act
H.R.3103
Title: Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act
S.379
Title: Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2011.
S.546
Title: Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act of 2011.
Related News Stories: Competing leaders to testify for Tester's Little Shell recognition bill. (Great Falls Tribune) 4/13/2011. Montana's Little Shell seeks recognition from Congress amid a political split at home. (The Republic) 4/14/2011.
S.880
Title: Muscogee Nation of Florida Federal Recognition Act
See Also: H.R.2591
S.1218
Title: Lumbee Recognition Act
See also: H.R.27
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General Native American Affairs
H.R.408
Title: Spending Reduction Act of 2011
H.R.1992
Title: Fair Allocation of Internal Revenue Credit for Renewable Electricity Distribution by Indian Tribes Act of 2011
H.R.2362
Title: Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011
Summary: To facilitate economic development by Indian tribes and encourage investment by Turkish enterprises.
Related News Stories: Bill to give boost to tribe-Turkey business links (Tulsa World) 11/4/2011.
S.RES.329
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.
S.RES.351
Title: A resolution recognizing the accomplishments and commemorating the numerous achievements and contributions of the Alaska Native people over the past 40 years.
S.RES.561
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.
S.RES.588
Title: A resolution commending the 4 American public servants who died in Benghazi, Libya, United States Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty, for their tireless efforts on behalf of the American people, and condemning the violent attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi.
Related News Stories: Senate passes three Indian measures during late night session (Indianz.com) 9/24/2012.
S.1514
Title: A bill to authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Elouise Pepion Cobell, in recognition of her outstanding and enduring contributions to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and the Nation through her tireless pursuit of justice.
S.3548
Title: Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2012
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