01 — The Text
What.
- Places approximately 1,082.63 acres of Washington state land into federal trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
- The land becomes part of the tribe's reservation once transferred into trust.
- Explicitly bans gaming (casinos, gambling operations) on the newly transferred acres.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Tribe gains control of ancestral lands and tax-exempt status for economic development, housing, or conservation.
- Federal government transfers land management responsibility but restricts a major revenue source (gaming) tribes often rely on.
- Tradeoff: expanded tribal sovereignty and reservation territory versus foregone gambling revenue.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill cleared Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in May 2026 without amendments—a strong signal it has bipartisan support.
- Next: full Senate vote, then House approval before reaching the president's desk.
- Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your senator's office to weigh in on tribal land restoration.
Legislative History
Actions.
- May 20, 2026 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Dec 17, 2025 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Apr 29, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Apr 29, 2025 — Introduced in Senate