H.R.2549 (C103) 06/29/93
Rep Faleomavaega, (Cosp=1) House Natural Resources
OFFICIAL TITLE(S):
AS INTRODUCED: (DATA FURNISHED BY THE HOUSE)
A bill to establish administrative procedures to extend Federal recognition to
certain Indian groups.
COMMITTEE(S) OF REFERRAL:
House Natural Resources
SUBCOMMITTEE(S) OF REFERRAL:
Hsc Native American Affairs
DETAILED STATUS STEPS:
HOUSE ACTIONS
Jun 29, 93 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Aug 2, 93 Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Aug 6, 93 Referred to the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.
DIGEST AS INTRODUCED:
Authorizes any Indian group that is indigenous and ethnically and
culturally identifiable to petition the Secretary of the Interior for
recognition as an Indian tribe. Requires a petition to contain: (1) a
statement of facts establishing that the petitioner has been identified as
Indian or aboriginal and maintained tribal political influence over its
members as an autonomous entity throughout history until the present
(including the specific territory); (2) evidence that a substantial portion of
the membership of the petitioner lives in a community viewed as Indian and
distinct from other populations, is a descendant from an Indian group which
historically inhabited a specific area, and is composed of persons who are not
members of any other Indian tribe; (3) a copy of the present governing
document or a statement describing membership criteria and the procedures
governing affairs and members; and (4) a list of current and former members
who have established descendency from historic Indian groups which combined
and functioned as a single autonomous entity.
Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) send an acknowledgement of
receipt to the petitioner; and (2) publish a notice of receipt and a notice of
opportunity for other parties to submit arguments in support of, or in
opposition to, a petition. Provides the petitioner with an opportunity to
respond to such submissions prior to a determination on a petition by the
Assistant Secretary.
Sets forth review and appeal procedures. Provides for expedited review
for petitions submitted by Indian groups whose relationship with the Federal
Government was terminated by statute. Establishes a time limit for action by
the Interior Department.
Makes recognized Indian tribes eligible for Federal services and benefits
that are available to other tribes.
Directs the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register a
current list of recognized Indian tribes receiving Bureau of Indian Affairs
services.
Directs the: (1) Secretary to make available suggested format guidelines;
and (2) Assistant Secretary to advise petitioners, upon request, on their
historical background and Indian identity research.
Authorizes the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans of
the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to enable Indian
groups seeking Federal recognition to both conduct and prepare research and
documentation necessary to substantiate and submit petitions under this Act.
Authorizes appropriations.
COSPONSOR COSPONSORED ON WITHDRAWN ON
Rep Abercrombie 06/29/93
-- Western Shoshone Defense Project <wsdp@rahul.net>