[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     ON THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE BUSINESS AND 
              AGRICULTURAL LEASING OF NAVAJO NATION LANDS

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                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Mr. LUJAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
enable Navajo Nation to enter into 99-year commercial leases for 
economic development purposes.
  Navajo Nation is the largest tribe in the United States. It's 
comprised of over 250,000 members and extends over 27,000 square miles 
of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
  Today's Navajo Nation has worked to provide economic development 
opportunities and partnerships with individuals, small business owners, 
and large commercial establishments. With successful initiatives 
including the Dine Power Authority and the Navajo Agricultural Products 
Industry, the Nation has been at the forefront of economic development 
on tribal lands.
  Today I am introducing legislation that I hope will enable the Nation 
to develop new projects and exercise their tribal sovereignty. This 
bill will authorize the Navajo Nation to enter into commercial leases 
of up to 99 years on their tribal lands. This simple revision of 
current law will level the playing field for the Nation by allowing it 
to enter into the same terms that commercial leases are typically 
offered.
  It is my hope that the offering of 99-year leases will trigger 
additional economic growth on the Navajo Nation. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting this necessary legislation.

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