[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 45 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Page 2811]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Indian Land Consolidation Act Amendments of 
2000

November 7, 2000

    Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 1586, the ``Indian Land 
Consolidation Act Amendments of 2000.'' This Act is critical to the 
economic viability of individually owned Indian lands and the success of 
the Department of the Interior's ongoing efforts to implement the 
American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994. It will help 
reduce the administrative and financial burden arising from the 
fractionated ownership of Indian lands.
    The Act puts provisions in place for probate reform and establishing 
uniform rules for the descent and distribution of interests in allotted 
lands. It also contains provisions for the consolidation of fractional 
interests, as well as preventing lands from being taken out of trust 
when inherited by non-Indians. In addition, it will enhance 
opportunities for economic development by specifying the minimum 
percentage of owners of fractional interests that must consent to 
leasing agreements. Finally, it extends the Secretary's authority to 
acquire fractional interests, of 2 percent or less, for tribal 
consolidation, through the pilot project that my Administration and the 
Congress initiated in 1999. Since many Native Americans die without 
wills, it also authorizes estate planning assistance.
    The Act results from our close consultation and collaboration with 
the Congress, the tribes, and the Indian landowners that began in 1994 
and has been one of my Administration's top priorities in Indian trust 
fund management reform. Today's action will help bring Indian land 
ownership, management, and development into the 21st century.
                                            William J. Clinton
 The White House,
 November 7, 2000.

Note: S. 1586, approved November 7, was assigned Public Law No. 106-462.