To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

House Bill

H.R. 681

119th Congress

To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher H. Smith

Representative

Republican

NJ-4

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Native Americans

Summary

This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts to lease their trust lands for up to 99 years, providing flexibility for economic development on tribal lands.

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts to lease their trust lands for up to 99 years, providing flexibility for economic development on tribal lands.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes 99-year leases for Wampanoag tribes
Applies to Mashpee and Gay Head Aquinnah tribes
Extends from standard trust land lease terms
Supports tribal economic development
Covers trust lands in Massachusetts

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

The Wampanoag tribes would have greater flexibility for long-term land development. Economic opportunities on tribal lands would be enhanced. Potential investors and developers would have longer lease terms available.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Native Americans

Related Subjects

Federal-Indian relations

Indian lands and resources rights

Land use and conservation

Massachusetts

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

681, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-681