Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Business Meeting to consider S. 2783, S. 3406, S. 4000, S. 4365
Date: July 25, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Dirksen
Room: 628

S.2783, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act. The bill adds an area known as Osceola Camp to the reservation of the Miccosukee Tribe. The land is located within the Everglades National Park in Florida. A hearing took place on July 10, featuring testimony from Chairman Talbert Cypress.

S.3406, the Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. The bill authorizes appropriations for water projects that would benefit the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Navajo Nation and five Pueblo tribes. A total of $18.4 million would be appropriated by the measure. A hearing took place on July 10, featuring testimony from the Biden administration in support of the legislation.

S.4000, A bill to reaffirm the applicability of the Indian Reorganization Act to the Lytton Rancheria of California, and for other purposes. The bill confirms that the Lytton Rancheria, headquartered in California, can follow the land-into-trust process under the Indian Reorganization Act. It also confirms that any land-into-trust acquisitions made for the tribe, whose federal recognition was reaffirmed in 1991 as part of litigation, are part of the tribe’s reservation. A hearing took place on June 12, featuring testimony from Chairperson Andy Mejia.

S.4365, the Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act. The bill authorizes the Indian Health Service to provide veterinary services — including spaying and neutering of domestic animals — to tribes and tribal organizations. A hearing took place on July 8, featuring supportive testimony from Brian Lefferts of the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Alaska.

The committee approved all four bills. The measures can now be considered by the U.S. Senate for passage.

Business Meeting to consider S. 2783, S. 3406, S. 4000, S. 4365 and Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on S. 4370 & S. 4505 (July 25, 2024)