Contact Congress about H.R. 681: 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

Two Wampanoag tribes in Massachusetts could lease certain tribal lands for up to 99 years. The bill does not approve any project. It only gives the tribes longer lease authority under current federal law.

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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 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Latest action on H.R. 681: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). It could give them more room to make long-term plans for trust land. It could also affect tribal members, local communities, lenders, builders, and business partners involved in future lease projects.

Why this matters: Longer leases could make it easier to build and finance projects on these tribal lands. Many lenders and partners want land agreements that last long enough to protect their investment. At the same time, a 99-year lease can shape land use for generations. The bill gives the tribes more leasing power, but the results would depend on the leases they approve.

Key provisions in H.R. 681

• Changes the Long-Term Leasing Act, a 1955 federal law on tribal land leases. The legal citation is 25 U.S.C. 415(a).
• Lets the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Reservation use leases of up to 99 years. They would join other tribal lands already listed in federal law.
• Makes a small technical edit to the current law. It adds these two reservations to a sentence that already allows 99-year leases for other named tribes.
• Applies only to land the United States holds in trust for these two tribes. Trust land means the federal government holds the title for the tribes’ benefit.
• The House sent the bill to the House Committee on Natural Resources when it was introduced. That committee handles many tribal land and natural resource issues.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 681

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 681

What is H.R. 681?

Two Wampanoag tribes in Massachusetts could lease certain tribal lands for up to 99 years. The bill does not approve any project. It only gives the tribes longer lease authority under current federal law.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 681?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 681?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 681 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.