LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON:

• H.R. 212 (Rep. Don Young of AK), To amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide a process for expediting congressional review of an Indian tribe’s funding agreement at the Indian tribe’s request, and for other purposes. “Expediting Funding for Efficient Contracting Tribes Act” or the “EFFECT Act”
• H.R. 2320 (Rep. Rick Larsen), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to place certain lands in Skagit and San Juan Counties, Washington, into trust for the Samish Indian Nation, and for other purposes. “Samish Indian Nation Land Conveyance Act of 2017”
• H.R. 3225 (Rep. Peter DeFazio), To allow the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to lease or transfer certain lands. “Oregon Tribal Economic Development Act.”

TOPLINE SUMMARY:

• H.R. 212 would amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) to allow Indian tribes who have pending Annual or Multi-Year Funding Agreements (AFAs or MFAs) with the Department of the Interior to request that Congress waive part or all of its 90-day review period mandated by ISDEAA.
• H.R. 2320 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to place 17 parcels, totaling 97 acres, of fee lands located in Skagit and San Juan counties of Washington into trust for the Samish Indian Nation. The Tribe already owns and operates facilities on all 17 parcels. The legislation contains a gaming prohibition on the lands taken into trust, as well as a provision stating that hunting and fishing rights are not affected.
• H.R. 3225 would provide the needed clarity that certain Oregon tribes have the authority to buy, sell, lease, or convey their land not held in trust without federal approval.

DEMOCRATIC MESSAGES:

• These are all bi-partisan, non-controversial bills that will increase tribal self-determination and self-governance.