Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 986, which would direct
the Secretary of the Interior to place 11 acres of Federal land into
trust for the collective benefit of 19 Pueblos in the State of New
Mexico.

These 11 acres were historically part of the Albuquerque Indian
School site, which are culturally and historically significant to the
Pueblos. Upon transfer, the lands may be used by the 19 Pueblos for the
educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development
purposes by these Pueblo tribes. One important thing to note is this
land may not be used for gaming purposes under this bill.

Since 1976, the 19 Pueblos have used the lands of the former
Albuquerque Indian School for the cultural and economic benefit of the
19 Pueblos. This is the last portion of Federal lands of the former
school site, which has not been conveyed to the 19 Pueblos.

This bill is supported by the entire New Mexico congressional
delegation. Recognizing the support of the local delegation, the House
companion bill, H.R. 1880, sponsored by Congresswoman Lujan Grisham,
was favorably reported by the Natural Resources Committee on September
30 of 2015.
I urge passage of this bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.

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