Senator Lisa Murkowski - vice chairman of the Indian Affairs committee | Official U.S. Senate Headshot
Senator Lisa Murkowski - vice chairman of the Indian Affairs committee | Official U.S. Senate Headshot
U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski have announced the Senate's unanimous approval of three bills aimed at fostering economic development in Native communities nationwide. The legislation, which had previously been stalled after advancing out of committee, now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration.
Senator Schatz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, stated, "These bills will help unlock economic development opportunities for Native communities nationwide." He emphasized that the passage marks a continuation of productive efforts by the committee and expressed optimism about passing additional legislation before Congress adjourns.
Vice Chairman Murkowski highlighted the significance of these measures for Native-led tourism and broader economic initiatives. She remarked, "As Native led tourism continues to develop nationwide, these NATIVE Act amendments will help highlight the vibrancy and resiliency of Native cultures and traditions while furthering economic development."
The Senate passed three specific bills:
- S. 385, co-sponsored by Schatz and Murkowski, aims to make technical corrections to the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act. This act authorizes grants for recreational travel and tourism activities to Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
- S. 1322, known as the Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act, allows Indian tribes to lease their land for up to 99 years for business purposes. It also facilitates certain rights-of-way approvals under existing law.
- S. 2868 was introduced by Senator Tina Smith on behalf of the Lower Sioux Indian Community. It seeks to revoke the Tribe’s Section 17 charter of incorporation under the Indian Reorganization Act due to its hindrance on economic development without Interior Secretary approval.
Murkowski expressed pride in leading these legislative efforts alongside Schatz and thanked her Senate colleagues for their support.
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