Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025
Summary
The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 (H.R. 6162) aims to transfer approximately 9.89 acres of Federal land, historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, into trust for the benefit of 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. The land is currently under the custody of the General Services Administration (GSA). The transfer includes three tracts of land in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and specifies permitted uses and restrictions, including a prohibition on gaming.
Expected Effects
The Act will shift administrative jurisdiction of the specified land from the GSA to the Secretary of the Interior, who will then hold the land in trust for the 19 Pueblos. This transfer allows the Pueblos to use the land for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development purposes, subject to existing encumbrances and federal laws applicable to Indian trust land.
Potential Benefits
- Empowerment of Native American Tribes: Transfers land to the 19 Pueblos, enabling self-determination and cultural preservation.
- Economic Development: Allows for business and economic development opportunities for the Pueblos.
- Educational and Health Resources: Provides land for potential educational and health facilities.
- Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation and promotion of the Pueblos' cultural heritage.
- Land Stewardship: Places the land under the stewardship of the Pueblos, who have a vested interest in its sustainable use.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Loss of Federal Revenue: Transferring federal land into trust removes it from the tax base, potentially impacting local government revenue.
- Restriction on Gaming: Prohibiting gaming may limit potential revenue-generating opportunities for the Pueblos.
- Existing Encumbrances: The land remains subject to existing encumbrances, which may limit its usability.
- Relocation Costs: The Act requires the relocation of all Federal tenants, which may incur costs.
- Limited Scope: The Act only addresses a small amount of land, potentially limiting its overall impact.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, which has been recognized through treaties, statutes, and court decisions. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention Native American affairs, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) has been interpreted to grant Congress broad authority over Indian affairs. The transfer of land into trust can be seen as an exercise of this authority to promote the general welfare of Native American tribes.
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).