MASHPEE, Mass. (AP) - Federal officials are reserving judgment on legislation enshrining a Massachusetts tribe’s reservation into federal law after initially indicating their support.
The Cape Cod Times reports Bureau of Indian Affairs Acting Director Darryl LaCounte testified Tuesday before Congress that his agency isn’t prepared to take a formal position on the bill, which would preserve the Mashpee Wampanoag’s 321-acre reservation.
The Cape Cod-based tribe on Tuesday had touted an initial version of LaCounte’s written testimony stating the agency’s support.
A U.S. Department of Interior spokeswoman declined to comment Wednesday on the apparent change.
The newspaper reports LaCounte told lawmakers the department is continuing to review its 2015 decision granting the tribe its reservation.
A federal judge in 2016 had ordered the agency to reconsider the decision after local residents sued.
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