GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) - Montana’s congressional delegation has re-introduced legislation that would grant federal recognition to the state’s Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

The Great Falls Tribune reports Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte introduced a new bill and called on lawmakers Wednesday to pass the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Act.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Republican Sen. Steve Daines reintroduced the same legislation in the Senate on Tuesday.

Last year, the U.S. House passed a bill that would have set aside a small amount of land for the tribe and make its members eligible for government benefits. However, Utah Sen. Mike Lee blocked the legislation in the Senate.

The Little Shell Tribe has around 5,400 enrolled members and has been recognized by the state of Montana since 2000.

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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com

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