Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Leasing Authority

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Mr. Keating's bill to amend the Long-Term Leasing Act for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).

Under the Long-Term Leasing Act, Tribes are generally limited to lease terms of 25 years with an option to renew for an additional 25 years.

This restriction, as we mentioned earlier, often has hindered economic development in Indian Country where growth is essential to providing services and opportunities for Tribal citizens.

To address this barrier, Congress has repeatedly passed bipartisan, noncontroversial bills allowing individual Tribes to secure long-term leases, just as H.R. 681 seeks to do.

Representative Keating's bill would authorize the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to enter into lease agreements for up to 99 years, providing parity with other Tribes that already have that authority.

Extending lease terms from 25 to 99 years will provide certainty that lenders, investors, and development partners need to make meaningful, long-term investments with the Tribes, helping promote economic stability and address the Tribes' ongoing housing challenges.

This bill respects Tribal sovereignty and advances self- determination. It removes barriers to the Tribes' housing and economic development efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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