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HR 5083 118th Congress House Native Americans

To extend Federal recognition to the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians of South Carolina, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 28, 2023 Introduced by: Mace, Nancy Republican · South Carolina See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 28, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jul 28, 2023
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

This bill extends federal recognition to the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians of South Carolina.

Specifically, the bill makes the tribe and its members eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, without regard to the existence of a reservation for the tribe. The delivery area for services and benefits shall be determined in coordination and consultation with the Department of the Interior.

Next, the bill sets forth requirements for the tribe regarding its membership roll, governing documents, and governing body.

Upon request of the tribe, Interior (1) must take into trust certain land in Orangeburg, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina for the benefit of the tribe; and (2) may take into trust land in specified counties for the benefit of the tribe. Land taken into trust shall be considered part of the tribe's reservation.

Further, the bill prohibits the tribe from conducting gaming activities.

What's happening now July 28, 2023

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1