February 12, 2025
Mr. Mullin (for himself and Mr. Durbin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs
To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Settlement of claims
(a) Jurisdiction conferred on the United States Court of Federal Claims
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States Court of Federal Claims shall have jurisdiction to hear, determine, and render judgment on a land claim of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma under its Treaty with the United States of America signed at Grouseland August 21, 1805 (7 Stat. 91) (commonly known as the Treaty of Grouseland
), without regard to the statute of limitations, including section 2501 of title 28, United States Code, and any delay-based defense, no matter how characterized.
(2) Jurisdiction expiration
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the jurisdiction conferred to the United States Court of Federal Claims under paragraph (1) shall expire unless the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma files a land claim under that paragraph.
(b) Extinguishment of title and claims
Except for a claim filed under subsection (a)(1), all other claims, including any and all future claims, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, or any member, descendant, or predecessor in interest to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, to land in the State of Illinois are extinguished.