Should Congress Allow The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma To Revoke Its Charter? (S. 321)

What is S. 321?

(Updated March 15, 2018)

This bill would revoke the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s charter of incorporation that was ratified in 1940. 

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma has expressed concern that their existing charter is outdated and restrictive, which they claim has adversely impacted the Tribe’s ability to attract investment and develop the local economy. The charter would be revoked at the tribe’s request — it just needs Congressional approval.

Argument in favor

Allowing the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to revoke their charter will improve their ability to develop their local economy by getting rid of onerous restrictions. They asked for it, and Congress should give it to them.

Argument opposed

It seems overly bureaucratic for tribes to have to ask Congress to revoke their charter, why not allow them to simply file paperwork with the Bureau of Indian Affairs?

Impact

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and its members, the surrounding community, relevant congressional committees.

Cost of S. 321

A CBO cost estimate found that implementing this bill would have no effect on the federal budget.

Additional Info

In-Depth:

In 2014, an identical version of this bill passed the House of Representatives by voice vote, but failed to receive a vote in the Senate after being placed on the Senate calendar.

Media:

Sponsoring Senator James Lankford (R-OK) Press Release

CBO Cost Estimate

Indianz.com

Wikipedia (Previous Bill Version)

Tulsa World (Previous Bill Version)

Summary by Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: myaamiacenter.org)