Federal land swap would return San Manuel ancestral acres in San Bernardino
In committeeS. 2796Latest action
Sponsor: Alex Padilla · Senator · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 2796 swaps ~1,460 tribal acres for ~1,475 San Bernardino National Forest acres to restore ancestral land access.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 2796 authorizes a land exchange between the federal government and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in San Bernardino County, California. The tribe would transfer approximately 1,460 acres it owns to the United States, and the federal government would transfer approximately 1,475 acres of San Bernardino National Forest land to the tribe. The exchanged land is described as part of the tribe's ancestral territory.
Who does it affect?
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, also known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is the primary party affected. Residents near the San Bernardino National Forest, including hikers, forest users, and local communities, could also see changes in land management in the area.
Why does it matter?
The land the tribe gives up would become part of the San Bernardino National Forest and be managed under standard national forest rules, changing oversight of those acres. The bill also requires the tribe to sign an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to preserve the historical and cultural character of the Arrowhead landmark, a natural rock formation in the San Bernardino Mountains, as a condition of the transfer.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 11, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jun 3, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.