Congresswoman Hageman Reintroduces Bill to Streamline Tribal Land Leases

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) reintroduced legislation to provide flexibility and certainty in the tribal land leasing process. The bill would amend the Long-Term Leasing Act to allow all federally recognized tribes to enter into leases for up to 99 years.

This legislation passed the House of Representatives during the 118th Congress.

"For many tribes, the current leasing framework under the Long-Term Leasing Act is a barrier to meaningful, long-term development. The limitation of 25-year leases creates uncertainty that hinders businesses, investors, and communities on tribal lands from planning for the future. By extending the optional lease term to 99 years, we are giving tribes the flexibility and security they need to invest in infrastructure, housing, economic ventures, and sustainable prosperity on their land," Rep. Hageman stated.

"Time after time, the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee has held hearings on individual bills to allow tribes to lease their lands for extended periods to spur economic development, affordable housing, and more," said Leger Fernández. "It is burdensome and unnecessary for tribes to require an act of Congress for each individual tribe and their leases. It stands in the way of economic sovereignty, which is key to tribal sovereignty. I am pleased to co-lead Congresswoman Hageman's bill to allow all federally recognized tribes to enter into leases for up to 99 years."

Background:

• Congress enacted the Act of August 9, 1955, codified at 25 U.S.C. Sec. 415, commonly known as the Long-Term Leasing Act, to overcome the prohibition of the Non-intercourse Act.
• The Long-Term Leasing Act permitted some land transactions between Indian tribes and nonfederal parties--specifically, the leasing of Indian lands.
• The Act required that leases of Indian lands be approved by the Secretary of the Interior and limited lease terms to 25 years.
• As business opportunities and economic considerations changed, leases longer than 25 years were desired.

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