01 — The Text
What.
- Allows two Massachusetts tribes—Mashpee Wampanoag and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)—to lease their trust land for up to 99 years instead of shorter terms.
- Updates the Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955 to extend lease length limits for these tribes only.
- Lets tribes generate revenue by leasing land for longer periods, potentially attracting businesses or development partners.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Both tribes gain flexibility to negotiate longer-term leases, which can produce more stable revenue for tribal governments and services.
- Longer lease terms may attract larger investments or partnerships that shorter-term agreements wouldn't support.
- Other tribes are not affected—this change applies only to these two Massachusetts-based tribes' trust lands.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill passed the House (March 2026) and cleared the Senate Indian Affairs Committee without amendment (May 2026). Next: full Senate vote.
- If Senate approves, the bill goes to the president for signature to become law.
- Contact your senator to express support or concern before the full Senate vote.
Legislative History
Actions.
- May 20, 2026 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Mar 4, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Mar 3, 2026 — The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 3, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 3, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2358)
- Mar 3, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2358)
- Mar 3, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 681.
- Mar 3, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2357-2358)