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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.

12/18/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 236

Bill 119 s 236, also known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act Amendment," seeks to make changes to the Act of August 9, 1955, which is commonly referred to as the "Long-Term Leasing Act." The main purpose of this bill is to allow for leases of up to 99 years for land located within the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).

The bill aims to provide the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) with greater flexibility in managing their land by extending the maximum lease term from the current limit of 25 years to 99 years. This change would allow the tribes to enter into longer-term leases, which could potentially attract more investment and economic development opportunities to their communities.

In addition to authorizing longer lease terms, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to the management and use of tribal lands. These provisions are aimed at supporting the tribes in their efforts to promote economic development, preserve cultural heritage, and improve the overall well-being of their communities. Overall, Bill 119 s 236 seeks to empower the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) by providing them with greater control over their land and resources through the extension of lease terms and other supportive measures.

Congressional Summary of S 236

This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts.

Current Status of Bill S 236

Bill S 236 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill S 236 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 23, 2025.  Bill S 236's most recent activity was Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. as of December 17, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 236

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 236

Primary Policy Focus

Native Americans

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 236

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.
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.

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