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Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 18, 2025
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.
People & committees
Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN] · D–MN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8687-8688; text: CR S8688)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 187.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-78.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-78.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 5, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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