PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 15, 1999
Indian Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act of 1999 - Establishes the Commission on Indian Recognition as an independent establishment which shall assume the authority of the Department of the Interior to recognize a petitioning Indian group's tribal status. Sets forth operating and petitioning procedures. Requires petitions to contain detailed, specific evidence, including: (1) a statement of facts establishing that the petitioner has been identified as an American Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1871; (2) a statement of facts establishing that a predominant portion of the petitioner's membership comprises a community distinct from those communities surrounding it and has existed as a community from historical times to the present; (3) a statement of facts establishing that the petitioner has maintained political influence or authority over its members as an autonomous entity from historical times until the time of the petition; (4) a copy of the petitioner's governing document or description of the petitioner's membership criteria and the petitioner's governing procedures; and (5) a list of the petitioner's current members, a copy of each available former list of members based on the petitioner's defined criteria, and a description of the methods used in preparing those lists. Requires the Commission to publish an annual list of recognized Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award petition assistance grants. Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] · R–CO
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 106-569.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2659-2660)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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