Fleischmann's Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Bill Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon his bill H.R. 453, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, being passed out of the United States House of Representatives.

"For the second year in a row, the House agreed in a widespread bipartisan fashion to maintain a commitment to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by placing specified lands and easements in Monroe Country, Tennessee, into a trust for the use and benefit of the tribe," said Congressman Fleischmann. "The Cherokee Nation has a rich history in the Third District and I am grateful to be engaged in the process to safeguard the story of the Eastern Band in the Cherokee towns of Tanasi and Chota. I strongly believe this preservation of lands will allow succeeding generations to comprehend and acknowledge the impact that the Cherokee Nation has had on East Tennessee. I vigorously urge members of the Senate to understand the importance of Cherokee tribal land preservation and support H.R. 453 so that it may be brought to President Trump's desk in an expedited manner."

"This bill reunites the Eastern Band of Cherokee with our homelands in East Tennessee. We look forward to a renewed and prosperous relationship with Tennessee," saidEastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed.

In detail, H.R. 453, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, will:

• Impact 76 acres of specified lands along the Little Tennessee River and Tellico Reservoir in Monroe County;
• Include lands from the Tanasi Memorial, Chota Memorial, Sequoyah Museum and land to administer support for these cultural programs and properties;
• Place these lands into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act was introduced as H.R. 146 in the 115th Congress. The legislation was reintroduced in the 116th Congress on January 10, 2019, and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources the same day. On February 5, 2019, the bill was approved by the subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

Click here to watch Congressman Fleischmann speak in support of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act.