The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs convened a legislative hearing to review four bills focused on tribal sovereignty and the federal government's trust responsibilities to tribal nations. Subcommittee Chair Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) commented on the significance of the session, stating, “Today’s Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs hearing reaffirms our commitment to strengthening tribal sovereignty, improving trust land management, and expanding economic opportunity in Native communities. These bills move us closer to fulfilling our federal responsibilities and empowering Indigenous nations for the future.”
Among the measures discussed was H.R. 5515, known as the Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act. Introduced by Rep. Jeff Hurd, this bill would make permanent a demonstration program from the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA) that has been in place for ten years. The legislation also seeks to address challenges raised by tribal nations and the Department of the Interior regarding implementation.
Another proposal, H.R. 5682, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), aims to transfer 1,261 acres of Pu’éska Mountain—currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management—into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians.
The Strengthening Tribal Real Estate Authority and Modernizing Land for Indigenous Nation Expansion (STREAMLINE) Act, or H.R. 5696, introduced by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), would allow tribes with self-governance realty programs to conduct their own land appraisals. This change is intended to give tribes greater control over land use and economic development.
H.R. 4276, put forward by Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii), proposes amendments to the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act. If enacted, it would authorize both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to provide grants supporting tourism initiatives led by tribal governments and Native Hawaiian organizations.
These legislative efforts are part of ongoing discussions about enhancing tribal autonomy over land management decisions while upholding federal commitments.
