Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act facts for kids
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| Full title | To make a technical amendment to the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act, and for other purposes. |
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| Introduced in | 113th United States Congress |
| Introduced on | March 19, 2013 |
| Sponsored by | Sen. Tom Udall (D, NM) |
| Number of co-sponsors | 1 |
| Citations | |
| Public Law | Pub.L. 113-119 |
| Effects and codifications | |
| Act(s) affected | T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act |
| U.S.C. section(s) affected | 16 U.S.C. § 539m–11 |
| Agencies affected | United States Department of the Interior |
| Legislative history | |
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The Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act is a law that helps the Sandia Pueblo people in New Mexico. This law transfers about 700 acres of land from the United States government to the Sandia Pueblo. The land will be kept as an "open space in its natural state." This means it will stay wild and undeveloped.
This law was passed by the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It became law in 2014.
About the Sandia Pueblo
The Sandia Pueblo is a federally recognized tribe of Native American people. They live on a special area called a reservation in central New Mexico. This reservation is about 39 square miles.
The city of Albuquerque is to the south of their land. To the east are the Sandia Mountains. These mountains are very important to the Sandia people. They are sacred and have been part of their way of life for a long time.
A forested area called the bosque surrounds parts of the reservation. This area provides firewood and a place to hunt. In 2000, about 4,414 people lived on the reservation. The Sandia Pueblo is one of 19 Pueblo tribes in New Mexico.
The land that this law transfers is very important to the Sandia tribe. It has deep spiritual and cultural meaning for them.
What the Law Does
The Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act makes a small change to an older law. That older law is called the T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act.
This new law says that the Secretary of Agriculture must give certain National Forest land to the Secretary of the Interior. This land will then be held in trust for the Sandia Pueblo. This happens if another land exchange, mentioned in the older law, isn't finished within 90 days.
The law also makes sure that this National Forest land stays as an open, natural space. It cannot be developed or built on.
In return for this land, the Sandia Pueblo will give the government their La Luz tract of land. They will also pay any difference in value between the lands. This makes sure the exchange is fair for both sides.
How the Law Was Passed
The Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act started in the United States Senate. Senator Tom Udall from New Mexico introduced it on March 19, 2013.
The bill was then sent to the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. This committee studies bills that affect Native American tribes.
On March 12, 2014, the Senate voted to pass the bill. They passed it by unanimous consent. This means everyone present agreed to it.
Later, on May 28, 2014, the United States House of Representatives also voted on the bill. They passed it by a voice vote. This is when members say "aye" or "no" out loud, and the Speaker decides which side won.
Finally, on June 9, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the bill. When the President signs a bill, it becomes a law. This law is now known as Pub.L. 113-119.
