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Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
4/17/2024, 11:44 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2088
The bill specifically focuses on the reacquisition of historic lands that were once part of the Cherokee reservation but were lost due to various historical events. By placing these lands into trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the bill aims to provide the tribe with greater control and management over their ancestral lands.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has a long history of resilience and cultural significance in the region, and this bill seeks to honor and support their efforts to reclaim and preserve their historic lands. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a positive step towards recognizing and respecting the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes. Overall, Bill 117 hr 2088, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, is an important piece of legislation that aims to address historical injustices and support the cultural preservation and sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Congressional Summary of HR 2088
Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
This bill takes specified lands and easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the use and benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These lands include the Sequoyah Museum, the Chota Memorial, the Tanasi Memorial, and land to provide support for these properties and cultural programs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) maintains its right to carry out river control and development on these lands, including temporarily and intermittently flooding certain lands. The bill specifies the structures that may be constructed with the TVA's written consent on certain lands subject to flooding. Additionally, the TVA must be compensated for lost hydropower capacity from future development of these lands.
Further, the bill specifies that the United States is not liable for loss or damage resulting from certain activities, such as the permanent flooding of adjacent lands.
In addition, the bill outlines the TVA's continuing responsibilities, including those related to environmental remediation.
Finally, the bill prohibits gaming on these lands.