Nick Rahall: “Existing Federal law allows tribal corporations to lease tribal land for a term of 25 years. However, there are…”

“Existing Federal law allows tribal corporations to lease tribal land for a term of 25 years. However, there are instances where the Congress has provided the authority for a tribal corporation to engage in even longer terms. The pending measure would give the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut the ability to lease its lands for not more than two additional terms of up to 25 years each, for a total of 75 years, in an effort to assist this tribe, expand its economy and assist its members. Furthermore, it prohibits any entity from conducting gaming activity on any land that is leased with an option to renew under this act. I would note that this measure passed the other body by unanimous consent. And I would commend our colleague from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for his leadership and championing this measure in the House. I urge its passage and I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.”