Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act
Summary
The Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act (H.R. 2389) directs the administrative transfer of approximately 72 acres of land in Washington State from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. This land will be held in trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation. The Act specifies that the land becomes part of the Quinault Indian Reservation and is administered according to laws applicable to trust property for Indian Tribes.
Expected Effects
The Act will expand the Quinault Indian Reservation by adding 72 acres of land held in trust. Gaming is prohibited on this land, and the Act does not impact existing treaty rights. The Secretary of the Interior must meet hazardous substance disclosure requirements but is not required to remediate existing pollutants.
Potential Benefits
- Land Expansion: Increases the Quinault Indian Nation's land base.
- Tribal Sovereignty: Reinforces tribal sovereignty by placing land in trust.
- Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation of Quinault cultural heritage.
- Resource Management: Allows the tribe to manage the land according to their needs and priorities.
- Economic Development: Provides potential opportunities for economic development, excluding gaming.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Economic Use: Prohibits gaming on the transferred land, restricting potential revenue streams.
- Environmental Concerns: The DOI is not required to remediate hazardous materials on the land.
- Administrative Burden: Requires administrative transfer and ongoing management by the Department of the Interior.
- Potential Conflicts: Could lead to conflicts with neighboring landowners or other stakeholders.
- Federal Oversight: The land will be subject to federal regulations governing trust lands.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the federal government's treaty obligations and its trust responsibility to Native American tribes, as recognized in numerous Supreme Court cases. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which supports the transfer of land into trust. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).