What changed between these versions
A substantive revision. v2 removes the entire "Findings" section from v1, streamlining the bill's introductory text. Concurrently, v2 adds a new definition for "Indian tribe" and explicitly mandates consultation with "applicable Indian Tribes" during the special resource study, thereby enhancing tribal engagement in the process.
Overview
A few targeted changes, primarily affecting the introductory and definitional sections, and the consultation requirements for the study. · V2 refines the study process by adding specific consultation requirements for Indian Tribes and streamlines the bill by removing the detailed findings.
The most significant change is the removal of the entire "Findings" section from v1, which detailed the historical and cultural significance of the Cahokia Mounds. Additionally, v2 introduces a new definition for "Indian tribe" and explicitly mandates consultation with "applicable Indian Tribes" during the special resource study, enhancing tribal engagement in the process. The core purpose of authorizing a special resource study remains unchanged.
Major additions
This new paragraph defines "Indian tribe" by referencing section 102 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5130). This definition is crucial for clarifying who is considered an "Indian tribe" within the context of the Act.
This addition provides a clear legal definition for "Indian tribe" within the context of the Act, which is crucial for the newly added consultation requirement. It ensures that the term is consistently understood and applied to federally recognized tribes, thereby impacting the scope of required consultations.
Deletions
This section contained seven detailed findings by Congress regarding the historical significance, size, cultural importance, and existing designations of the city of Cahokia and the Cahokia Mounds. It described Cahokia as the central hub of the Mississippian culture, the first known organized urbanization north of Mexico, and its status as a National Historic Landmark, Illinois State Historic Site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The deletion of the "Findings" section removes the detailed congressional rationale and historical context for the bill directly from the statutory text. While the purpose of the study remains, the explicit legislative declaration of the sites' importance is no longer present in the bill's operative language, potentially affecting how the bill's intent is interpreted without this background.
Modifications
This modification ensures that federally recognized Indian Tribes with historical or cultural ties to the Study Area are formally included in the consultation process for the special resource study. This change provides a direct voice for tribal communities in the evaluation and future management considerations of these significant cultural sites, potentially influencing the study's findings and recommendations regarding preservation and interpretation.
Before
In v1, this section required the Secretary to consult with "(A) interested entities of the Federal Government or State or local governmental entities; (B) private and nonprofit organizations; or (C) any other interested individuals."
After
In v2, this section now requires the Secretary to consult with "(A) interested entities of the Federal Government or State or local governmental entities; (B) applicable Indian Tribes; (C) private and nonprofit organizations; or (D) any other interested individuals."
Scope
Meaningful expansion or narrowing — Changes are concentrated in the initial sections of the bill, specifically the findings, definitions, and consultation requirements for the study. — V2 represents a refinement in policy direction by enhancing tribal engagement in the study process, while streamlining the bill by removing the detailed findings. The core policy of authorizing a special resource study remains consistent. — The addition of the "Indian tribe" definition directly supports and clarifies the new consultation requirement, ensuring consistent application across the bill.
Impact analysis
Applicable Indian Tribes
This group gains a formal and explicit role in the consultation process, providing them with a direct avenue to influence the study's outcomes and recommendations.
V2 explicitly mandates that the Secretary consult with applicable Indian Tribes during the special resource study, a requirement not present in v1.
General public and stakeholders interested in the historical context of the bill
This group experiences a procedural change in how the bill's background information is presented, with less detailed historical context directly within the statutory language.
The detailed "Findings" section, which provided extensive historical and cultural background, was removed from the bill's text in v2.