LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE JAMUL TRIBAL LAND PASSES HOUSE, HEADS TO PRESIDENT'S DESK

East County News Service

December 18, 2024 (Washington D.C.) -- Today, legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to place 172 acres of land in East County, San Diego into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village passed the House and heads to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law, after a companion measure authored by Senator Padilla previously passed in the Senate.

The Jamul Indian Village has sought for years to bring tribal members back onto their ancestral land – so they can raise their families, carry forward their culture, and add to their history,” said Rep. Issa. “This is the right thing to do, and it empowers not government, but individuals, to take new charge and best care of their lives. This Fee-to-Trust bill provides that opportunity, securing Jamul’s land, preserving its sacred sites, and protecting Kumeyaay traditions for generations to come. My thanks to Senator Padilla and Congressman Vargas for their support in pushing forth this important legislation.” 

PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNS JAMUL TRIBAL LANDS BILL INTO LAW

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Jamul tribal chairwoman Erica Pinto

January 8, 2025 (Jamul) – On December 23, President Joe Biden signed into law the bipartisan Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act, which places 172 acres of land in East County, San Diego into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village.

“Thank you to Senators Padilla and Butler, and Representatives Issa and Vargas for their leadership,” Biden said upon signing S. 3857 authored by California Senator Alex Padilla into law. The companion measure in the House was authored by Congressman Darrell Issa.