Congresswoman Hageman’s Bill to Streamline Tribal Land Leases Advances to the Full House

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) bipartisan legislation promoting tribal economic development advanced out of the Natural Resources Committee, sending it to the full House for consideration. The bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act, allowing all federally recognized tribes to enter into leases for up to 99 years, giving tribes flexibility and certainty for long-term planning and investment.

"This legislation proactively extends to all tribes flexibility needed for long term economic growth," said Rep. Hageman. "Limiting leases to 25 years, as is currently mandated by federal law, creates uncertainty that prevents businesses, investors, and communities on tribal lands from planning for the future. By extending optional leases to 99 years, we give tribes the security they need to invest in infrastructure, housing, economic ventures, and sustainable prosperity on their land."

"Under current law, tribes must come before Congress every time they need to lease their lands for extended periods of time. It's a burdensome and unnecessary process that stands in the way of economic prosperity and tribal sovereignty," said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. "I am co-leading this bill to fix the law and allow all federally recognized tribes to enter into leases for up to 99 years. Long-term leases are essential for tribes to build affordable housing, health care centers, and other buildings that offer resources for the community. The Natural Resources Committee has done its job, now it's time for the House to pass this bill."

Background:

• Congress passed the Long-Term Leasing Act in 1955 which authorizes trust land to be leased by the Indian owner for 26 years, which may be renewed for one additional period
• Congress has acted more than 50 times to allow for lease terms greater than 25 years
• As business opportunities and economic considerations change, private businesses desire leases longer than 25 years, and 99 year terms are often needed for long-term commercial leases and in some financing contracts.
• This bill would proactively extend the 99 year lease authority to all federal recognized tribes, expediting economic development by reducing bureaucracy

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