What Happened?

Two tribal land bills come before a House subcommittee this week that could shift control of land and money for Native communities in Washington state and Alaska. The House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs holds a hearing Sept. 17 on both measures. The first, the Helping Our People Act of 2026, would update a federal agreement that has governed the tribe's relationship with Washington since 1989. The second, the Geese House Site Conveyance Act, would transfer a tract of land inside Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska to Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native corporation. [](#ngr-a5f85a12-f8f3-42f6-b396-80a819086c33)

Why Does it Matter to Me?

For members of the Puyallup Tribe in Washington state, the Helping Our People Act could mean direct control over a Permanent Trust Fund currently managed under the terms of a 37-year-old federal settlement. Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA), who sponsored the bill alongside Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), as well as Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), say the bill would restore that control to the tribe itself. For Alaska Natives connected to Doyon, Limited, the Geese House Site Conveyance Act would transfer lands in the remote northwest corner of Denali that have been under National Park Service management since 1980, when the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act drew them into the park's boundary.

Both Sides, Now

The Helping Our People Act carries support from all members of Washington's Democratic congressional delegation, saying it modernizes an outdated agreement and returns financial authority to the tribe. The Geese House Site Conveyance Act was introduced by Rep. Nicholas Begich (R-AK) without co-sponsors in the House. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The bill's bipartisan Senate support and House introduction reflect cross-party backing for this Alaska-specific land measure, though no formal statements of opposition or support from other members appear in the record. Both bills must clear the subcommittee before they can advance to a full House vote.

What Happens Next?

The Sept. 17 subcommittee hearing is the first formal step for both bills. A hearing lets members question sponsors and witnesses, but it does not guarantee a vote. After the hearing, the subcommittee could advance either bill, hold it, or take no action. If a bill clears the subcommittee, it would then need a full House vote and Senate passage before going to the president. No votes are currently scheduled beyond the hearing itself.

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