The Ninth Osage Nation Congress convened for the 2025 Hun-Kah Session on March 31 to begin its legislative business during the first regular session of the year.
For the 24-day session, the 12 legislators will consider various bills, resolutions and other matters throughout its duration. These items will also be initially discussed during select and standing committees, which will be scheduled throughout the session.
On Day 1, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear addressed the Congress briefly on behalf of the Executive Branch. He told Congress more proposed legislation will be forthcoming from his office, requesting Congressional action to be considered during the session.
Also that day, Standing Bear met with the Congress in a Committee of the Whole executive session to discuss the ongoing renegotiation efforts with the State of Oklahoma regarding the Tobacco Products Excise Tax Compact. The closed-door meeting took place with the Nation’s Tax Commission Board members, their office staff and hired legal counsel, and the Nation’s Attorney General’s office also participated.
In January, Congress unanimously passed a resolution to extend compact negotiations for the Nation’s Tobacco Products Excise Tax Compact with the state of Oklahoma. The resolution extended negotiations until March 31; however, those efforts are still ongoing.
Congressional Speaker Pam Shaw welcomed everyone to the session, noting, “2025 has already been an eventful year for our Nation as we continue to do our best to serve our people to make important decisions that impact each and every one of us.”
“Collectively, it is extremely important that we as elected members of this body diligently work to understand the implications for our government and for the Osage people,” Shaw said of the tobacco compact renegotiation efforts with the state government.
Day 1 of the session ended with no Congressional motions or actions taken following the two-hour executive session with regard to the tobacco compact renegotiation efforts.
For more information on Congressional sessions, committees and to view filed legislative documents, visit the Legislative Branch website at: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/legislative-branch
