Lankford, Mullin Bill to Remove Economic Barriers for Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Becomes Law

WASHINGTON, DC – A bill authored by two Oklahoma lawmakers to remove the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s charter of incorporation was signed into law Monday.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced S. 321 on January 29, 2015 and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) authored H.R. 533, the companion to Lankford’s bill which passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on June 1, 2015. The House version of the bill passed the Senate unanimously on June 24, 2015.

“I am grateful to work alongside Congressman Mullin and the Miami Tribe to resolve the long standing issue with the Tribe’s federal charter of incorporation,” said Lankford. “Too many Oklahomans struggle with outdated laws and regulations that continue to hold them back. H.R. 533 is an example of how we can work together to find solutions to eliminate federal economic barriers for Oklahoma.”

“I have worked on behalf of the Miami Tribe to remove this outdated, unnecessary charter of incorporation since arriving in Congress, and I am proud that Senator Lankford and I were able to get this bill over the finish line,” said Mullin, a second-term lawmaker. “This is a common sense law, and I am happy to be able to contribute to the future growth and success of the Tribe.”

Chief Doug Lankford (no relation to the Senator) of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma praised Mullin and Lankford’s work on behalf of the tribe.

“The passage of this bill into law is proof that Congress does work and is working to strengthen Indian Country,” said Chief Lankford. “On behalf of the Miami Tribe, I want to thank Representative Mullin and Senator Lankford for their dedication and friendship.” 

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