Opening Remarks

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs holds a legislative hearing on December 17, 2025. Four bills are on the agenda: S.236, a bill to authorize the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe to lease their lands for up to 99 years without seeking federal approval. S.1508, the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Jurisdictional Clarity Act. The bill addresses civil jurisdiction issues for the Shivwits Band of Paiutes in Utah and authorizes the tribe to lease its lands for up to 99 years without seeking federal approval. S.1513, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act. The bill places about 1,082 acres in Washington in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. S.2735, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025. The bill places about 265 acres in California in trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Witness List: Ms. Trina Locke Directorate of Environmental and Natural Resources Office of Trust Services Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of the Interior Washington, DC The Honorable Brian Weeden Chairman Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Mashpee, Massachusetts The Honorable Tina Gonzales Chairwoman Shivwits Band of Paiutes Ivins, Utah The Honorable Frances Charles Chairwoman Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Port Angeles, Washington The Honorable Regina Cuellar Chairwoman Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Placerville, California