WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) re-introduced the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act. This bill will incorporate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA). Incorporation of the Osceola Camp will improve the facilities and governing structure of the Tribe. Further, these changes will optimize water flow into Everglades National Park while keeping residence Osceola Camp unaffected.
This legislation is supported by the Miccosukee Tribe.
"As the Representative for the Miccosukee Tribe, I have seen firsthand the Tribe's dedication to being outstanding stewards of the Everglades, as well as their role as a vital community partner, fostering jobs and opportunities for South Floridians," said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "I am eager to continue collaborating with the Tribe to protect our cherished River of Grass and integrate the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area."
“The Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home for centuries and have been critical partners in protecting the environment,” said Congresswoman Maria Salazar. “This bill, which incorporates the Osceola Camp into the Miccosukee Reserved Area (MRA), further recognizes the Tribe’s connection to this land and allows them to have a significant role in protecting it from flooding. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and I encourage my colleagues to join in support as well.”
“As a staunch supporter of our Native American tribes, I recognize the challenges faced by the Miccosukee Tribe, particularly with the Osceola Camp, which has been severely impacted by flooding following recent tropical storms. I am proud to join my South Florida colleagues in introducing this critical legislation, which aims to remove current mitigation barriers placed on the Tribe by the federal government and enhance communication with the Department of Interior. These joint efforts will ensure that we take appropriate actions in protecting the structures within the Osceola Camp,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The Miccosukee Tribe’s Osceola Camp has been a home and site of cultural significance for generations of Tribal members and I am proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues to ensure its protection. I deeply appreciate the partnership I have had with the Miccosukee Tribe as Florida Governor, and will continue to support their interests as U.S. Senator.”
“The passage of the Miccosukee Reserve Area Act Amendment is an important step forward to facilitate the continued practice of Miccosukee traditions at the Osceola Tribal Camp in advance of increased water levels into the Shark River Slough and Everglades National Park," said Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress. “As Everglades Restoration continues, our partners in Congress like Representatives Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Elvia Maria Salazar, and Senator Rick Scott, continue to fulfill Congress’s trust obligations to the Miccosukee Tribe on balance with the important work of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This small expansion of tribal sovereignty will allow our Tribe to maintain its traditional footprint and empower the Tribe to raise the Osceola Camp to prevent flooding. We thank Congress for their swift and thoughtful action to assist the Miccosukee Tribe and its members.”
Read the full bill text HERE.
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Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 119th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He is the first career firefighter paramedic elected to the House of Representatives and served as the former Fire Chief of the City of Miami and Mayor of Miami-Dade County. He serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Republican Governance Group (RG2), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, the Armed Services Committee, and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.