Two Massachusetts tribes gain access to 99-year land leases
Placed on the calendarH.R. 681Latest action
Sponsor: William R. Keating · Representative · MA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the “Long-Term Leasing Act”), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
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The bill lets two Massachusetts tribes sign land leases up to 99 years, matching rules other tribes already have.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill amends the 1955 Long-Term Leasing Act to add the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to the list of tribes allowed to sign leases up to 99 years long. Currently these two tribes face shorter lease limits under existing federal law.
Who does it affect?
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), their tribal governments, and businesses or developers seeking long-term leases on their reservation or trust lands.
Why does it matter?
Longer lease terms may make it easier for the tribes to attract developers and lenders willing to commit to long-term projects like housing or commercial buildings. The change applies only to these two tribes and does not affect leasing rules for other tribes or non-tribal land.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Sep 14, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 23, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 14, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 555.