Bill · S. 2160· Senate(119-S-2160)
Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/25/2025
- Last activity
- 6/25/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Gary Peters
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 seeks to reaffirm and clarify the federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan. This bill affirms the Tribe's status and ensures that all federal laws and regulations applicable to Indian Tribes will now apply to them. It establishes the Tribe's eligibility for federal services and benefits regardless of whether they have a reservation or where members live. The Act also outlines specific provisions for the Tribe to submit a membership roll to the Secretary. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary to acquire land in trust for the benefit of the Tribe in specific Michigan counties.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+10
The bill directly restores federal recognition and essential services to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
Federal recognition includes access to elder care services as mentioned in the summary.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The restoration of federal services provides a safety net for tribal members in need.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Federal Services and Benefits: The Tribe and its members will be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the United States to federally recognized Indian Tribes, which includes social services, education, housing, and elder care (Section 5).
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Land Acquisition Opportunities: The Secretary is authorized to acquire trust title to land for the benefit of the Tribe in Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana Counties, and may take into trust land held in fee within Kent and Ottawa Counties (Section 8).
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Protection of Existing Rights: The Act ensures that no existing rights or privileges of the Tribe or its members are diminished by this legislation (Section 6).
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Legal Redress: The bill ensures that the Tribe's legal or equitable claims regarding rights that were wrongfully denied or taken in the past are not altered or affected (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Land Title Restrictions: When the Secretary accepts real property into trust for the Tribe, it can only be done if there are no adverse legal claims on the property, such as outstanding liens, mortgages, or taxes (Section 8).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+10Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+5Improves Poverty Reduction+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- 6/25/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan