SCIA Passes Two Bills During Committee Business Meeting

Press Release

Today, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), passed the following two pieces of legislation: H.R. 487, a bill to allow the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to lease or transfer certain lands; and S. 1579, the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (the NATIVE Act). H.R. 487 was introduced by Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and S. 1579 was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI). H.R. 487 passed the House of Representatives on September 16, 2015.

Both bills passed the SCIA by voice vote. During the business meeting, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Chairman of the SCIA, highlighted what each bill seeks to accomplish.

"S. 1579 is intended to increase federal coordination of programs that support the tourism industry in Native communities," said Chairman Barrasso in his opening remarks at the business meeting. "H.R. 487 responds to a need identified by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. This bill releases any requirement for federal approval on the conveyance of fee simple land owned by the tribe to third parties. It does not impact any trust lands."

In his remarks, Senator Schatz said "I want to thank Senators Barrasso and Tester for holding this meeting and for moving the NATIVE bill through the committee expeditiously. And I want to thank all of the bipartisan sponsors, particularly the six colleagues on this committee, I thank you for your support and I look forward to working with you on getting it through to the Senate floor."

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