Two Massachusetts tribes gain access to 99-year land leases
Placed on the calendarS. 236Latest action
Sponsor: Edward J. Markey · Senator · MA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: A bill 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:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 236 lets the Mashpee Wampanoag and Aquinnah Wampanoag tribes sign land leases up to 99 years long.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill adds the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to the 1955 Long-Term Leasing Act's list of tribes eligible for leases up to 99 years. Currently, tribal land leases are limited to shorter terms unless a tribe is specifically named in that law.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects the Mashpee Wampanoag and Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal governments and any businesses or developers seeking to lease their land. It does not affect other tribes or non-tribal land.
Why does it matter?
Longer lease terms change the leasing options available to these two tribes but do not alter land ownership, which remains held in federal trust on their behalf.
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
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Sep 14, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 553.