A bill to provide for extensions of leases of certain land by Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2457) to provide for extensions of leases of certain land by Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the resolution under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. RAHALL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Existing Federal law allows tribal corporations to lease tribal land for a term of 25 years. However, there are instances where the Congress has provided the authority for a tribal corporation to engage in even longer terms.

The pending measure would give the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut the ability to lease its lands for not more than two additional terms of up to 25 years each, for a total of 75 years, in an effort to assist this tribe, expand its economy and assist its members.

Furthermore, it prohibits any entity from conducting gaming activity on any land that is leased with an option to renew under this act.

I would note that this measure passed the other body by unanimous consent. And I would commend our colleague from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for his leadership and championing this measure in the House.

I urge its passage and I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Indian Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 2457 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment at the desk be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read the third time and passed, a motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to this measure be printed in the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Senate bill 2457 provides for extensions of leases of certain land by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut. The leased land is for nongaming commercial purposes. I urge support of this legislation as does the administration.

I have no additional speakers. Therefore, I yield back the balance of my time.