Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
Returning Historic Lands to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
The House of Representatives has passed this bill, and it is now being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It is currently moving through the legislative process as expected. There are no specific dates set for the next steps at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill already passed the House and moved to the Senate. Land transfer bills for historic preservation often receive bipartisan backing and face few obstacles.
Key Points
- This bill moves about 76 acres of federal land in Monroe County, Tennessee, into a trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The land is currently managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority along the shores of the Tellico Reservoir.
- The tribe will use the land to protect and run the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum and memorials for Chota and Tanasi, which were once Cherokee capital cities. It will also serve as a place to bury ancestral remains and teach people about the Trail of Tears.
- The land can be used for classrooms, cultural programs, and temporary housing for guests. However, the law strictly forbids using any of this land for gambling or casinos.
- The Tennessee Valley Authority will still have the right to flood certain parts of the land when necessary to manage the reservoir and river levels. They are also responsible for cleaning up any hazardous materials found on the property before the transfer is finished.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H447-448)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H447-448)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 226.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.