Advancing Legislative Solutions to Support Tribal Sovereignty and Improve Land Management

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on five bills supporting tribal sovereignty through improved land management, a land exchange and recognition of tribes' authority to determine their own membership. Subcommittee Chair Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response:

"Today's hearing gave us the chance to consider common-sense solutions that support and enhance tribal sovereignty through land management, negotiated land exchanges, and recognition of tribes' authority to determine their own membership. Each of these bills reflects the importance of empowering tribes to be the sole stewards of their lands and govern their communities."

Background

H.R. 3903, the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska) allows for a land exchange to resolve split estate challenges with land ownership in Chugach, Alaska. This legislation restores value to Native shareholders and allows for better local conservation of the area by the Chugach Alaska Corporation.

H.R. 3925, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Land Exchange Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), will authorize an exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to improve land management and tribal stewardship.

H.R. 4463, introduced by U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), will amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 to reaffirm the tribe's sovereign authority to determine its own membership.

H.R. 681, introduced by U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.), will authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.

H.R. 3654, the Tribal Emergency Response Resources (TERRA) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Emily Randall (D-Wash.), will help streamline federal funding for tribes with lands at significant risk from natural disasters.