The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing to discuss three bills focused on Tribal land and jurisdictional issues. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) stated, “Today’s hearing focused on delivering practical solutions that respect Tribal self-determination and reinforce our federal obligations. The measures under consideration address longstanding land matters, return culturally significant land and strengthen tribal law enforcement capacity. Each bill represents a meaningful step toward greater certainty, stronger institutions and expanded opportunity across Indian Country.”
One of the bills discussed was H.R. 2827, introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). This bill would allow the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to consider treaty-based land claims made by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma under the 1805 Treaty of Grouseland. It also authorizes a monetary action against the United States and resolves any remaining land or title claims to specific lands in Illinois.
Another measure, H.R. 7065—the Seneca National Law Enforcement Efficiency Act—was introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.). If agreed upon by both the Seneca Nation and the U.S. Attorney General, this legislation would remove New York State’s jurisdiction over crimes involving members of or committed against the Seneca Nation of Indians, transferring authority back to federal authorities and the tribe itself.
The third bill considered was H.R. 6162, known as the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). This act would place about 9.89 acres of former Albuquerque Indian School federal land into trust for the benefit of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos.
These proposals aim to address unresolved legal questions regarding Tribal lands, improve law enforcement arrangements for certain Native communities, and restore control over culturally important sites.
