Modifying Tribal Lease Provisions

Floor Speech

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Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2906, which allows the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians to lease land placed in trust for a term greater than 25 years. This legislation further allows the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to lease restricted lands under certain conditions without requiring the Secretary of the Interior's approval.

I thank Senator Cantwell for introducing this legislation, and I also thank Chairman Rahall for bringing this bill to the floor today.

As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of all Native Americans. While the legislation before us today affects three tribes in Washington State, I will continue to work on behalf of the nearly 100 federally recognized tribes in California and all tribes across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 2906.

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