Enabling Economic Opportunity on Indian Lands - IIA Hearing Part 1

The Indian Non-Intercourse Act and Long-Term Leasing Act, in their current forms, are regularly amended. This creates a piecemeal approach to governing and provides no certainty for Tribes to plan their futures. Tribal governments already seek to make the best decisions for their members, for their social, cultural, and economic security.

We should ensure that Indian lands, whether owned in fee, owned in restricted fee, or held in trust for the benefit of tribes, are able to be used as tribes want to use them. I believe that my bills discussed today are a good step forward to ensure that.