Senator Lankford and Rep. Mullin’s Bill To Remove Economic Barriers for Miami Tribe Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, DC— The Senate today passed legislation (H.R. 533), introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), to remove an outdated charter that limits business and economic development opportunities for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The House passed this legislation on June 1st.

The Tribe has said that their corporate charter imposes restrictions on the operation of business activities that were unrealistic even when it was written. Additionally, the Tribe has full constitutional authority to manage business affairs and adopt tribal law. However, removing this outdated charter requires Congressional action.

At the introduction identical legislation in the Senate (S. 321), Senator Lankford said, “Outdated laws and regulations hold communities back all around Oklahoma. This federal corporate charter is unused by the Tribe, and yet its existence raises concerns for prospective business partners due to restrictive conditions within the charter. Taking the federal charter off the books eliminates uncertainty for these partners and ensures that the Tribe is free to pursue new opportunities that will benefit the community now and for years to come.”

The House passed this legislation (H.R. 4002) during the last Congress (June 2014) by voice vote, but the Senate did not take it up.

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