Nick Rahall: “this measure introduced by our colleague from California, George Radanovich, would transfer approximately 66 acres of…”

“this measure introduced by our colleague from California, George Radanovich, would transfer approximately 66 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This land would be held in trust for the Tuolumne band of Me-Wuk Indians of the Tuolumne Rancheria. The BLM land is adjacent to land held in trust for the tribe or that is owned in fee by the tribe. Included on this land is a cemetery where the tribe has historically buried its ancestors. Other areas of this land would be used for a cultural center, agricultural activities, housing, and open-space needs. The legislation prohibits these lands from being used for gaming. In addition, approximately 357 acres of land which the tribe already owns would be deemed to be within the tribe's reservation boundaries. Essentially, the purpose of this legislation is to make this tribe whole. I urge my colleagues to support the measure. I reserve the balance of my time.”