Two tribes gain long-term leasing power, closing a 70-year equity gap

What it does

This bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955 to allow the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their reservation lands for up to 99 years, a power previously unavailable to them. The change brings these two tribes into parity with other federally recognized tribes already authorized under the Act to make long-term leases for economic development and resource management.

Why we flagged it

The bill's sole operative function is to extend leasing authority to two specific tribes, enabling them to execute long-term land leases on equal footing with other federally recognized tribes. This is a straightforward expansion of tribal sovereignty and economic autonomy.

What the text implies

• Enables the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to pledge reservation lands as collateral for long-term financing, potentially unlocking capital for infrastructure, housing, or business development that was previously unavailable.
• May facilitate renewable energy development (solar, wind) on tribal lands through long-term power purchase agreements, a common use of 99-year leases in Indian Country.
• Extends tribal control over land use decisions for a century, reducing federal oversight and increasing tribal autonomy in managing natural resources and economic activity on their territories.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

The bill expands self-determination and economic authority for two federally recognized tribes by granting them the same long-term leasing power already held by other tribes. This enables tribal governments to pursue sustained economic development, infrastructure investment, and resource management on their own lands without federal veto, strengthening tribal sovereignty and economic independence.

Who stands to gain

• Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
• Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)

Named in the bill

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, 25 U.S.C. 415(a), Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, House Committee on Natural Resources

Where it stands

• Jan 23, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Jan 23, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources”
• Sep 9, 2025 — Hearing held · Congress.gov: “Subcommittee Hearings Held”
• Nov 20, 2025 — Markup held in committee · Congress.gov: “Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held”
• Nov 20, 2025 — Reported out of committee · Congress.gov: “Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent”
• Mar 3, 2026 — Passed the House · Congress.gov: “On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2358)”
• Mar 3, 2026 — Floor vote scheduled · Congress.gov: “Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.