To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the Long-Term Leasing Act), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 681 amends the Act of August 9, 1955, also known as the Long-Term Leasing Act. The amendment authorizes leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). This aims to provide these tribes with greater flexibility in managing their land assets.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 23, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. It was later committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed on January 14, 2026.
The amendment specifically inserts language into the Act to include the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Reservation, expanding their leasing authority.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is to grant the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) the ability to enter into longer-term leases for their trust lands.
This could lead to increased economic development opportunities for the tribes. It also allows for more substantial and sustainable projects on tribal lands.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Economic Development: Longer leases can attract more significant investments and development projects.
- Greater Tribal Autonomy: The tribes gain more control over their land management decisions.
- Potential for Improved Infrastructure: Longer leases can facilitate infrastructure development on tribal lands.
- Enhanced Revenue Generation: Increased leasing activity can generate more revenue for the tribes, supporting essential services.
- Support for Long-Term Planning: The 99-year lease option allows for better long-term planning and sustainable development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Exploitation: Longer leases could potentially expose the tribes to unfavorable lease terms if not carefully negotiated.
- Loss of Control: While providing autonomy, excessively long leases could limit future tribal control over the land if circumstances change.
- Environmental Concerns: Development spurred by longer leases could pose environmental risks if not properly managed.
- Disputes and Conflicts: Longer leases could lead to disputes over land use and resource allocation within the tribes.
- Complexity of Implementation: Implementing the new leasing authority may require navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. The bill aims to facilitate economic development and self-determination for these tribes, which can be seen as an exercise of this power.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It specifically addresses the leasing authority of tribal lands held in trust, which falls under the purview of federal Indian law.
However, the long-term implications of granting such extensive leasing authority should be carefully considered to ensure that it does not inadvertently undermine tribal sovereignty or lead to the exploitation of tribal resources.
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).