S.1514 - Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act (S.1514) aims to transfer approximately 72 acres of land in Washington State from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior, to be held in trust for the Quinault Indian Nation. The land will become part of the Quinault Indian Reservation and be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. The Act explicitly prohibits gaming on the transferred land and affirms that it does not impact existing treaty rights.
The Act also addresses hazardous materials, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to meet disclosure requirements but not remediate existing contamination. This bill was introduced in the Senate on April 29, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Overall, the bill seeks to support the Quinault Indian Nation by expanding their reservation land base.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this Act will be to increase the land holdings of the Quinault Indian Nation by 72 acres. This land will be held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of the tribe.
This transfer could lead to increased self-determination and resource management capabilities for the Quinault Indian Nation. However, the prohibition on gaming limits potential economic development opportunities on this specific parcel.
Potential Benefits
- Land Expansion: Increases the Quinault Indian Nation's land base, potentially supporting housing, resource management, or cultural preservation.
- Tribal Sovereignty: Reinforces tribal sovereignty by placing land in trust for the tribe.
- Economic Development (Potential): While gaming is prohibited, the land could be used for other economic activities.
- Cultural Preservation: Provides land that can be used to preserve and promote Quinault culture and traditions.
- Administrative Efficiency: Streamlines land management by transferring it to the Department of the Interior.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Economic Use: The prohibition on gaming restricts potential revenue generation on the land.
- Environmental Concerns: The lack of required remediation for hazardous materials could pose environmental and health risks.
- Potential Conflicts: Transferring land from the Forest Service could lead to conflicts with existing users or stakeholders.
- Administrative Burden: The transfer and administration of the land will require resources from the Department of the Interior.
- Lack of Specific Purpose: The bill does not specify the intended use of the land, which could lead to uncertainty or mismanagement.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This Act appears to align with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, which has been recognized through various Supreme Court decisions and federal policies. The Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which has been interpreted to include the power to manage tribal lands and resources.
The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections. The prohibition on gaming is a policy choice within the purview of Congress's authority over Indian affairs.
However, the lack of required remediation for hazardous materials could raise concerns about the government's responsibility to protect the health and safety of tribal members.
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).