Contact Congress about H.R. 226: Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians would gain trust land for historic sites, education, memorials, and trails in Tennessee. TVA would keep reservoir and flood-control rights, and casino-style gaming would be banned there.

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Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Latest action on H.R. 226: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, TVA, and people who use or live near the Tellico Reservoir area in Monroe County, Tennessee. The tribe would gain trust land for cultural, historic, education, and recreation uses. TVA would keep strong control over reservoir operations and would carry cleanup duties. Local residents and visitors could see more trail, museum, memorial, and heritage tourism activity, but the bill does not estimate those effects.

Why this matters: This bill could give the tribe more control over important Cherokee historic places, while TVA keeps control over reservoir operations. That balance matters because the same land supports memorials, trails, cultural education, flood control, navigation, hydropower, and public health work. The bill could help protect and explain Cherokee history in the region. It also sets limits that could shape future tribal projects, especially near the water.

Key provisions in H.R. 226

• About 76.1 acres would move into federal trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This includes about 46 acres for the Sequoyah Museum, 11.9 acres of support land, and 18.2 acres for the Chota and Tanasi memorial areas.
• The tribe would get permanent easement rights on more nearby land. An easement is a lasting legal right to use land for a specific purpose. These easements cover about 8.5 acres on the Chota peninsula and 11.4 acres for a Chota-Tanasi trail.
• TVA would have to send updated maps after each land deal. It must send them within one year to the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
• Most of the trust land would be used mainly for Cherokee history, culture, and memorial purposes. That includes museums, reburial of remains, interpretation, and related recreation.
• The support parcel would serve the programs on the trust land. It could be used for classrooms, cultural education, temporary guest housing, and offices.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 226

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. 226

What is H.R. 226?

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians would gain trust land for historic sites, education, memorials, and trails in Tennessee. TVA would keep reservoir and flood-control rights, and casino-style gaming would be banned there.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 226?

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. 226?

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. 226 before I act?

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