S 236119th CongressIn Committee

A bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes.

Introduced: Jan 23, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-Massachusetts)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would expand the Long-Term Leasing Act to include the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in the tribes eligible to use long-term leasing. It would also raise the maximum lease term for these lands to 99 years. In practical terms, tribes could grant longer-term leases on their lands (both reservation land and land held in trust) to developers, businesses, or other lessees, subject to the existing federal review and oversight framework. The measure is intended to promote economic development and investment on these two tribal lands by providing longer, more secure lease arrangements.

Key Points

1Adds Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to the pool of lands covered by the Long-Term Leasing Act.
2Increases the maximum lease duration for these lands to 99 years.
3Maintains that leases on these lands would be governed by the existing leasing framework and approvals under the Long-Term Leasing Act.
4The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Mr. Markey (joined by Ms. Warren) and was introduced January 23, 2025; referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
5The phrase “and for other purposes” suggests additional related provisions may accompany the amendment, though the provided text only specifies the land-adding and term-length changes.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) in Massachusetts; their communities and lands could see more long-term development opportunities.Secondary group/area affected: Potential lessees and developers seeking long-term use of tribal or trust lands, as well as lenders and investors financing such leases.Additional impacts: Could influence economic development, housing, infrastructure projects, and land-use planning on these lands; may raise questions about tribal sovereignty, federal oversight, environmental and cultural protections, and how long-term lease arrangements interact with tribal governance and land ownership.

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