H.R. 226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, passed the House on September 23, 2026.
H.R. 226 — Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
What it does
This bill transfers approximately 76 acres of federal land managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on the shores of Tellico Reservoir in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The lands include the Sequoyah Museum property, support facilities, and memorials to the former Cherokee capitals of Chota and Tanasi. The tribe gains the right to use these lands for cultural memorialization, education, recreation, and repatriation of Cherokee remains, while the TVA retains control over water management, flooding, and hydroelectric operations.
Quorum's transparency scan found no buried provisions in Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act.
What happens next
H.R. 226 passed the House. It now moves to the other chamber.
Who is behind it
Filed by Chuck Fleischmann.
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