Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2929 - Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2929, the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act, seeks to formally recognize the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe by extending the full measure of the federal government-to-government relationship. This includes making all laws of the United States generally applicable to Indian tribes also applicable to the Haliwa Saponi. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the tribe and proclaim a reservation.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe would gain access to federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes. This would include funding for education, housing, and other programs. The tribe would also have the ability to establish a reservation, potentially leading to greater self-governance and economic development opportunities.

Potential Benefits

  • Access to federal funding for education, healthcare, and housing.
  • Enhanced self-governance and control over tribal affairs.
  • Potential for economic development through land acquisition and resource management.
  • Recognition and preservation of cultural heritage.
  • Improved social and economic well-being for tribal members.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential strain on federal resources due to increased demand for services.
  • Possible conflicts with state and local governments regarding land use and jurisdiction.
  • Increased bureaucratic processes for tribal members to access federal programs.
  • Potential for internal disputes within the tribe regarding resource allocation and governance.
  • Dependence on federal funding, which can be subject to political changes.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the federal government's historical and constitutional relationship with Native American tribes, as recognized in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Indian Commerce Clause), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. The bill's provisions for federal services and land acquisition are consistent with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes. However, the specific application and implementation of these provisions could raise questions regarding equal protection and potential conflicts with state sovereignty.

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).