San Jose lawmakers influence vote over Muwekma Ohlone federal recognition

San Jose leaders have suspended discussions over supporting the federal recognition of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe — pushing it to a vote in mid-September after receiving letters from two congressional leaders critical of the proposal.

Councilmembers Domingo Candelas, David Cohen, Dev Davis, Bien Doan and Peter Ortiz first requested a resolution to champion the tribe’s federal recognition efforts at an Aug. 13 meeting before it was placed on Tuesday’s agenda. But recent letters from Congressmembers Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo raising eligibility concerns have led city officials to postpone a vote supporting federal recognition. As a result of these letters, the San Jose City Council has deferred it until Sept. 17.