WASHINGTON — Recent legislative actions and upcoming events from the nation's capital are bringing attention to matters affecting Indigenous communities across the United States.
Proposed Legislation for Land Transfer to New Mexico Pueblos
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico has put forward the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025. This bill aims to transfer three parcels of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School site and adjacent areas into trust status for the benefit of New Mexico's 19 Pueblos.
"My legislation expands on decades of bipartisan work to put the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts of land in to trust for the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. This land, in particular, will be used by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to scale Native-owned businesses, create jobs, and expand business services for local and Native-owned businesses – an economic win for everyone," said Heinrich.
The proposal has gained support from Senator Ben Ray Luján, who serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Representative Melanie Stansbury is leading the effort in the House of Representatives.
"The Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act of 2025 will expand economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which serves all nineteen of New Mexico’s Pueblos," said Luján. "I am proud to introduce this legislation to help the center grow its capacity as a cultural and economic institution, creating jobs and generating revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities."
This initiative continues a long-standing bipartisan effort to support the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a museum and cultural institution owned by the Pueblos, focused on preserving pueblo heritage while promoting economic growth.
Upcoming Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women
The 20th annual Office on Violence Against Women Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation is scheduled for Jan. 21–23, 2026, at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. This event will allow elected tribal leaders and their representatives to provide input on enhancing federal responses to violence affecting Native women.
Representative's Opposition to SPEED Act
Representative Dr. Raul Ruiz of California recently explained his vote against H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act. He stated, "Today, I voted against H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act, because it would weaken the National Environmental Policy Act and undermine critical protections for Tribal Nations, their lands, waters, and cultural resources. For more than 50 years, NEPA has helped ensure Tribal governments have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their communities. Speeding up permitting should not come at the expense of Tribal consultation, environmental review, or the protection of sacred sites and treaty rights."
He added, "I support responsible economic development and energy projects that move forward in partnership with Tribal Nations and with respect for their sovereignty. I remain committed to strengthening environmental protections while addressing real permitting challenges—without cutting corners or silencing Tribal voices."
