To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the “Long-Term Leasing Act”), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land in the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and land held in trust for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes
Key claim: HR681 amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to authorize the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease land held in trust for terms of up to 99 years.
Abstract
(HR681 · 119th Congress) This bill authorizes the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. Both tribes are located in Massachusetts. Latest action (2026-05-20): Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Why this matters
Extending 99-year leasing authority to the Mashpee Wampanoag and Wampanoag of Gay Head (Aquinnah) would remove a structural barrier to housing development and mortgage financing on their trust lands, since long lease terms function as a substitute for fee ownership when collateralizing loans. It fits a broader pattern of tribe-by-tribe amendments to the Long-Term Leasing Act that a universal proposal (HR5910) would otherwise consolidate.