After years of debate, a bill recognizing indigenous bands, clans, tribes, and nations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was finally drafted last January, only to be put on hold after the Oklahoma-Delaware Indians issued a 315-acre land claim near Easton. The bill, which would have gone into effect in July, would create a commission within the Department of Community and Economic Development to establish tribal recognition. Pennsylvania legislators worry that once recognition is granted, they will be bombarded by Native American land claims throughout the state. Governor Ed Rendell opposes the Oklahoma-Delaware claim.
