Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025
Summary
The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 (S. 3219) aims to transfer approximately 9.89 acres of federal land, historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The land is currently under the custody of the General Services Administration. The Act specifies the location of the land in Albuquerque and includes provisions for a right-of-way easement and a survey of the land.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this Act will transfer administrative jurisdiction of the specified federal land to the Secretary of the Interior, who will then hold it in trust for the 19 Pueblos. The land is intended for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development purposes. Gaming is explicitly prohibited on the transferred land.
Potential Benefits
- Provides land for the 19 Pueblos to use for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development.
- Potentially strengthens the cultural identity and self-determination of the 19 Pueblos.
- Could lead to new economic opportunities and improved services for tribal members.
- Addresses historical injustices related to the Albuquerque Indian School.
- May foster a stronger relationship between the federal government and the 19 Pueblos.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential displacement of existing federal tenants on the land.
- The Act does not specify the source of funds for relocation of federal tenants or development of the land, which could create unfunded mandates.
- The right-of-way easement on Tract 1 could limit the Pueblos' use of that portion of the land.
- The prohibition of gaming may limit potential revenue generation opportunities for the Pueblos.
- Potential for disputes regarding land use and management among the 19 Pueblos.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, which has been recognized through treaties, statutes, and court decisions. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention Native American affairs, Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Indian Commerce Clause) grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. This Act can be seen as an exercise of that power to promote the welfare of the tribes. The transfer of land does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).