Contact Congress about H.R. 165: Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

About 40 acres at Wounded Knee would be protected for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The land could not be taxed, sold without major consent, or used for gambling.

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Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act is a Senate bill signed into law. The latest recorded action: Became Public Law No: 119-61.

Latest action on H.R. 165: Became Public Law No: 119-61.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe because it gives them protected control of land at Wounded Knee. It also affects the Oglala Sioux Tribe's government because that Tribe would have civil and criminal authority over the site. Local governments and utility providers would still have to follow existing access, service, and utility agreements. Visitors and the public could see the site managed as a memorial and sacred place, but the bill does not create or pay for specific visitor facilities.

Why this matters: This matters because the bill changes who has secure control over part of the Wounded Knee Massacre site. The site has deep historic and spiritual meaning for the Sioux Tribes. Restricted fee status would help protect the land from taxes, sale, or transfer without strong consent rules. It could also make it easier for the Tribes to manage the site under their own agreement. The bill does not spell out future memorial plans or economic effects, so those results remain uncertain.

Key provisions in H.R. 165

• The bill covers about 40 acres at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. That includes the surface land, underground rights, mineral rights, improvements, and personal property on the land.
• The land would become part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe would have civil and criminal authority there.
• The land would go into restricted fee status. That means it could not be sold or transferred unless Congress and the Tribes both agree.
• State and local governments could not tax the land.
• The Interior Secretary would have 365 days after the bill becomes law to finish the restricted fee process. That includes the needed records and small fixes to surveys or legal land descriptions.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 165

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. 165

What is H.R. 165?

About 40 acres at Wounded Knee would be protected for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The land could not be taxed, sold without major consent, or used for gambling.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 165?

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. 165?

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. 165 before I act?

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