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Tribal Tourism Sovereignty Act
12/31/2022, 5:04 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4733
The Tribal Tourism Sovereignty Act aims to empower Native American tribes to develop and expand their tourism industries by providing them with resources and support. This includes funding for infrastructure improvements, marketing and promotion efforts, and workforce development programs. By investing in tribal tourism, the bill seeks to create economic opportunities for Native American communities and preserve their cultural heritage.
Additionally, the Tribal Tourism Sovereignty Act recognizes the sovereignty of Native American tribes and their right to control and manage their own tourism initiatives. This includes the ability to regulate and license tourism activities on tribal lands, as well as the authority to enter into partnerships with other entities to promote tourism in their communities. Overall, the Tribal Tourism Sovereignty Act is aimed at empowering Native American tribes to leverage their unique cultural heritage and natural resources to create sustainable economic development opportunities through tourism. It is a bipartisan effort to support and promote the economic growth and cultural preservation of Native American communities across the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4733
Tribal Tourism Sovereignty Act
This bill allows covered passenger vessels (e.g., foreign-flagged cruise ships) to comply with the foreign-stop requirement by calling on ports or places owned by an Indian tribe. Under current law, these vessels may not transport passengers from one U.S. port to another without stopping in a foreign country.
The bill allows a voyage transporting passengers to call on a port owned by an Indian tribe if the voyage (1) is made by a covered passenger vessel that complies with security and safety requirements and certain training for crew members, and (2) employs alien crew members with valid nonimmigrant work visas. A vessel performing such a voyage must receive permission from the tribe to dock at a port or place owned by the tribe and disembark passengers on tribal lands.
In addition, the bill outlines tribal powers and privileges, including that the tribe shall have the authority to levy and collect fees from port calls.
