H.R.504 - Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 504, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act, aims to amend the existing Miccosukee Reserved Area Act. The amendment authorizes the expansion of the Miccosukee Reserved Area and mandates actions to protect structures within the Osceola Camp from flooding. The bill directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Tribe, to implement flood protection measures within two years of enactment.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in the expansion of the Miccosukee Reserved Area to include the Osceola Camp. It will also lead to the implementation of flood protection measures for structures within that area. These changes will directly affect the Miccosukee Tribe and the management of the Everglades National Park.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Protects the Osceola Camp, an area of cultural significance to the Miccosukee Tribe.
- Flood Protection: Safeguards structures within the Osceola Camp from the detrimental effects of flooding.
- Tribal Collaboration: Requires consultation with the Miccosukee Tribe in implementing flood protection measures, respecting tribal sovereignty.
- Land Expansion: Expands the Miccosukee Reserved Area, potentially providing more land for tribal use and management.
- Public Access to Information: Ensures that maps of the expanded area are available for public inspection.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Land Use Conflicts: Expansion could lead to conflicts with other stakeholders or existing park management plans.
- Financial Burden: Implementing flood protection measures may require significant government expenditure.
- Environmental Impact: Construction of flood protection infrastructure could have localized environmental impacts.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses narrowly on the Miccosukee Reserved Area and may not address broader regional issues.
- Bureaucratic Delays: The consultation and implementation process could be subject to delays.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly through the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. Additionally, the bill respects tribal sovereignty by requiring consultation with the Miccosukee Tribe. There are no apparent violations of individual rights or freedoms as defined in the Bill of Rights.
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).