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Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025
10/16/2025, 5:26 PM
Summary of Bill S 622
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act was originally passed to restore land to the tribe that had been taken from them in the past. This new bill builds upon that foundation by expanding the amount of land that can be transferred to the tribe.
The transfer of Federal land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is significant as it allows the tribe to have more control over their own land and resources. This can help to improve the economic and social well-being of the tribe, as well as strengthen their cultural identity and sovereignty. Overall, Bill 119 s 622 is aimed at empowering the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe by providing them with additional land and resources. This legislation is important for supporting the tribe's self-determination and promoting their overall well-being.
Congressional Summary of S 622
Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025
This bill transfers certain federal land located in the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Department of the Interior for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to transfer for the benefit of the tribe land in the Chippewa National Forest that records maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs show was sold without the unanimous consent of the rightful landowners.
Upon agreement between USDA and the tribe, USDA shall substitute alternative National Forest System land located in Cass County, Minnesota, on an acre-for-acre basis for those parcels of federal land to be transferred in a manner that avoids inholdings and provides a preference for land adjacent to or near existing Leech Lake trust lands and lands of cultural importance to the tribe, to the maximum extent practicable.
USDA may transfer land to Interior on a rolling basis as that land is identified and surveys are completed.
USDA, acting through the U.S. Forest Service, must provide for public engagement and comment to implement this bill.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 622
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 622
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 622
Primary Policy Focus
Native AmericansPotential Impact Areas
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 622
Comments
Salvador Bryant
9 months ago
I can't believe this bill is passing. It's gonna mess everything up for us. I don't know how we're gonna deal with it.
