Maintaining Tribal Self-Determination and Sovereignty

Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on three bills addressing Tribal land and jurisdictional matters. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response:

"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."

Background

H.R. 2827, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), gives jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to hear treaty-based land claims raised by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma under the 1805 Treaty of Grouseland and authorizes a monetary action against the United States. The bill also extinguishes any remaining land and title claims to the specified Illinois lands.

H.R. 7065, the Seneca National Law Enforcement Efficiency Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), upon agreement between the Seneca Nation and the U.S. Attorney General, the bill removes the State of New York's jurisdiction over offenses committed by or against the Seneca Nation of Indians. Jurisdiction returns to the federal government and the Seneca Nation.