CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act

House Bill

H.R. 5553

119th Congress

CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Don Bacon

Representative

Republican

NE-2

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Native Americans

Summary

This bill would officially recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes, without the need for a reservation. It sets rules for the tribe's membership, governing documents, and leadership, and prohibits the tribe from conducting gambling activities.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

SponsorDon Bacon (R-NE)

Introduced9/23/2025

StatusReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act

This bill would officially recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes, without the need for a reservation. It sets rules for the tribe's membership, governing

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This bill would officially recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes, without the need for a reservation. It sets rules for the tribe's membership, governing documents, and leadership, and prohibits the tribe from conducting gambling activities.

Bill Number: 5553
Sponsor: Don Bacon (R-NE)
Introduced: 9/23/2025
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Policy Area: Native Americans

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act
Bill Number: 5553
Sponsor: Don Bacon (R-NE)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced: 9/23/2025
Summary: This bill would officially recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes, without the need for a reservation. It sets rules for the tribe's membership, governing documents, and leadership, and prohibits

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would officially recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to other federally recognized tribes, without the need for a reservation. It sets rules for the tribe's membership, governing documents, and leadership, and prohibits the tribe from conducting gambling activities.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act This bill extends federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe. Specifically, the bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The service area of the tribe is considered to be Stafford and King George Counties, Virginia. Next, the bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body. Interior, upon the request of the tribe, may take certain land into trust for the benefit of the tribe. Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Extends federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia
Allows the tribe and its members to access services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes
Requires the tribe to meet certain standards for membership, governance, and land trust
Prohibits the tribe from operating any gambling or casino activities

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would positively impact the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia by granting them federal recognition and access to important services and programs. It would also affect local and state governments in Stafford and King George Counties, Virginia, where the tribe's service area is located. Overall, the bill aims to support the Patawomeck Tribe and strengthen its standing as a federally recognized Native American community.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Native Americans

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5553, 119th Congress (2025). "CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5553

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