1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote to override the presidential veto of HB504, the Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act. This legislation addresses critical tribal sovereignty and environmental protection needs that cannot wait for future congressional sessions. HB504 expands the Miccosukee Reserved Area to include the Osceola Camp portion of Everglades National Park, with boundaries defined by map 160/188443 dated July 2023. This territorial expansion recognizes the Miccosukee Tribe's historical connection to these lands while strengthening federal-tribal collaboration in managing one of our nation's most significant ecological preserves. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of the Interior take appropriate actions within two years to protect structures within the Osceola Camp from flooding, requiring consultation with the Miccosukee Tribe throughout the planning and implementation process. The flooding threat to Osceola Camp structures is immediate and worsening. Delaying this protection by waiting for new legislation in a future session puts tribal structures and cultural resources at continued risk. The two-year implementation timeline already provides the Secretary substantial time to conduct necessary engineering studies and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act while working collaboratively with tribal authorities. This legislation originally passed with bipartisan support because it balances tribal land rights with environmental stewardship. The bill requires map filing with Miami-Dade County and Miccosukee Tribe officials, ensuring transparency in the boundary expansion. It establishes a government-to-government consultation framework that respects tribal self-determination while maintaining National Park Service management responsibilities. The Miccosukee Tribe deserves the territorial recognition and flood protection this bill provides. Overriding this veto demonstrates Congress's commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty and protecting vulnerable communities from environmental threats. I ask that you vote to override the presidential veto and enact HB504 into law.