Federal bill would put 76 acres of Cherokee heritage land in trust
In committeeH.R. 226Latest action
Sponsor: Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann · Representative · TN
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Official title: Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 226 would place ~76 federal acres at Tellico Reservoir in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for cultural use.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 226 would transfer roughly 76 acres of federal land in Monroe County, Tennessee, into a trust held by the U.S. government on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The land includes the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, memorials to the Cherokee towns of Chota and Tanasi, and a support property. The bill also grants the tribe permanent easements for walking trails connecting the memorial sites.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribe based in western North Carolina, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which currently manages the land. Museum visitors and people who use the memorial sites would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
The land would be restricted to cultural and educational purposes, including operating the Sequoyah museum, honoring Cherokee history, and maintaining memorials where ancestral remains were reburied. The TVA would retain rights to flood portions of the land temporarily, manage reservoir water levels, and enter the property for flood control and public health purposes, and any tribal construction near the water would require TVA approval.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 7, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 23, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.