Sen. Peters Pushes to Grant Federal Recognition to Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
This bill was recently introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Indian Affairs. It is in the early stages of the lawmaking process and is considered active. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
The bill has support from both Michigan senators, but tribal recognition bills often face long delays in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Members of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians would gain federal recognition, unlocking access to federal services for healthcare, housing, education, and elder care. The tribe has been denied these benefits for decades due to bureaucratic delays at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Recognition also allows the tribe to establish a homeland and reservation in western Michigan counties, providing a foundation for self-governance and cultural preservation.
“The Tribe and each member shall be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the United States to Indians and federally recognized Indian Tribes as prescribed by law”
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.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten and John James reintroduced the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act. If passed, members would gain access to federal resources including social services, education, housing, and elder care, while allowing the tribe to exercise treaty rights.
A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House could reaffirm the Grand River Bands' status as a federally recognized entity. The legislation, H.R. 3255, seeks to grant the tribe access to critical federal resources and affirm a sovereign status they have upheld for generations.
Legislation has been reintroduced by Michigan's congressional delegation to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. The act would make members eligible for federal benefits such as tuition, health care, and housing assistance.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025
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