Rep. Tom Cole

Maddy summaryThis bill ratifies the Bureau of Indian Affairs' 2018 decision to place approximately 6.7 acres of land into federal trust for the Samish Indian Nation. It confirms this trust status for the specific land described in the 2018 decision and applies to all current or future legal challenges regarding this land or similar actions. The bill explicitly states it does not prevent the Samish Nation from seeking additional land to be placed into trust in the future. It directly affects the Samish Indian Nation's ownership rights to this specific parcel and their legal standing on related land claims.

Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States and sets forth its powers, duties, and membership. Among other duties, the commission must investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian Boarding School Policies (federal policies under which American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were forcibly removed from their family homes and placed in boarding schools). Further, the commission must develop recommendations on ways to (1) protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; (2) support repatriation and identify the tribal nations from which children were taken; and (3) discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies.

Save Oak Flat Act This bill repeals the requirement for the Department of Agriculture to convey the 2,422 acres of Forest System land located in Tonto National Forest in Pinal County, Arizona, known as Oak Flat, to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC, in exchange for various parcels of land owned by Resolution Copper. Oak Flat is withdrawn from (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.

Tribal Firearm Access Act This bill expands the definition of identification document (for criminal offenses related to fraud and aggravated identity theft) to include an identification document issued by a tribal government.

VA Work-Study Improvement Act This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs work-study program, including by increasing the number of hours an individual may work, modifying the minimum wage requirements, and implementing an electronic timesheet.

Winnebago Land Transfer Act of 2022 This bill takes specified lands in Iowa into trust for the benefit of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The land is made part of the tribe's reservation.

Maddy summaryHRES 1498 is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Native American Heritage Month. It affirms the U.S. commitment to celebrating Native American cultures, heritages, and contributions to American history, including their roles in governance concepts, military service, and cultural fields. The resolution urges all Americans to observe the month through appropriate programs and activities, supporting the recognition of Native American Heritage Day as established by prior law. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryHRES 1483 is a symbolic House resolution supporting National Rural Health Day, introduced in November 2022. It recognizes the challenges rural health care faces - including hospital closures, workforce shortages, and barriers to services - impacting approximately 60 million rural residents. The resolution expresses support for the day's goals, celebrates rural health care providers, and affirms a commitment to improving rural health care accessibility and affordability. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of rural health care needs.

Lymphedema Treatment Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments and other approved items that are prescribed by a physician or other specified health care professional to treat lymphedema.

Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2021 or the CONTRACT Act of 2021 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the Social Security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.