Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2389
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2389Washington StateFederal-Indian relations
Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act
INTRO MAR 26· LAST ACTION JUN 3
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it represents a direct act of land transfer from the federal government to a Native American tribe, which is a significant step in tribal self-determination and sovereignty. Adding land to a reservation can provide crucial space for tribal communities to grow, build homes, develop their economies (outside of gaming in this case), and preserve cultural sites.
If this bill becomes law, it would finalize the transfer of these 72 acres to the Quinault Nation, solidifying their land base and providing clarity on its legal status and management. If it does not become law, the land would remain under Forest Service administration, and the Quinault Nation would not gain this specific parcel for their reservation, potentially limiting their opportunities for growth and development on their ancestral lands.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Transfers approximately 72 acres of land in Washington State from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior.
This formally changes the ownership and management of the land from general federal control to trust status for the Quinault Indian Nation.
PROVISION 02
The transferred land will be held in trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation and become part of the Quinault Indian Reservation.
This expands the official territory of the Quinault Indian Reservation, providing more land for the tribe's use and governance.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits the use of the transferred land for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
This limits the economic development options for the tribe on this specific parcel of land, preventing the construction of casinos.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances on the land but not to remediate or abate them.
This ensures awareness of potential environmental issues without placing the burden of cleanup on the federal government as part of the transfer.
PROVISION 05
States that the Act does not affect existing treaty rights between the United States and the Qui-nai-elt and Quil-leh-ute Indians.
This safeguards historical agreements and ensures that the land transfer does not inadvertently diminish the tribe's existing legal rights.
This bill matters because it represents a direct act of land transfer from the federal government to a Native American tribe, which is a significant step in tribal self-determination and sovereignty. Adding land to a reservation can provide crucial space for tribal communities to grow, build homes, develop their economies (outside of gaming in this case), and preserve cultural sites.
If this bill becomes law, it would finalize the transfer of these 72 acres to the Quinault Nation, solidifying their land base and providing clarity on its legal status and management. If it does not become law, the land would remain under Forest Service administration, and the Quinault Nation would not gain this specific parcel for their reservation, potentially limiting their opportunities for growth and development on their ancestral lands.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Transfers approximately 72 acres of land in Washington State from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior.
This formally changes the ownership and management of the land from general federal control to trust status for the Quinault Indian Nation.
high
The transferred land will be held in trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation and become part of the Quinault Indian Reservation.
This expands the official territory of the Quinault Indian Reservation, providing more land for the tribe's use and governance.
med
Prohibits the use of the transferred land for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
This limits the economic development options for the tribe on this specific parcel of land, preventing the construction of casinos.
med
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances on the land but not to remediate or abate them.
This ensures awareness of potential environmental issues without placing the burden of cleanup on the federal government as part of the transfer.
med
States that the Act does not affect existing treaty rights between the United States and the Qui-nai-elt and Quil-leh-ute Indians.
This safeguards historical agreements and ensures that the land transfer does not inadvertently diminish the tribe's existing legal rights.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Trust Land
Land where the legal title is held by the U.S. government for the benefit of a Native American tribe or individual, allowing the tribe to control and use the land.
Indian Nation / Tribe
A recognized self-governing group of Native American people with a historical and cultural identity.
Quinault Indian Reservation
A specific area of land set aside by treaty or federal action for the exclusive use and governance of the Quinault Indian Nation.
Forest Service
An agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages national forests and grasslands.
Department of the Interior
A U.S. federal department responsible for the management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources, and for programs relating to Native American affairs.
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)
A federal law passed in 1988 that establishes the framework for Native American tribes to operate gaming (casino) facilities on their lands.
Treaty Rights
Specific rights, privileges, or protections guaranteed to Native American tribes through formal agreements (treaties) with the U.S. government.
ACTION TIMELINE
24 EVENTS
JUN 3
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
COMMITTEE
DEC 10, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 10, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 9, 25
Mr. Crank moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.