To reaffirm the trust status of land taken into trust by the United States pursuant to the Act of June 18, 1934, for the benefit of an Indian Tribe that was federally recognized on the date that the land was taken into trust.

# HR 5257 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would confirm that certain Native American tribal lands remain under federal trust status. Specifically, it would protect land that was placed into federal trust for Native American tribes under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (also called the Wheeler-Howard Act). The bill aims to reaffirm that these lands keep their protected status, even if there have been legal questions or challenges about whether they should maintain that designation. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects federally recognized Native American tribes that own land held in trust by the federal government.

It could also impact state and local governments that have jurisdiction questions over these lands, as well as any individuals or entities with claims or interests in disputed tribal territories. **Current Status** HR 5257 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) in the 119th Congress. The bill remains in early legislative stages.