House Bill 312 (HB 312) looks to give federal support to the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe of Massachusetts. It would return two pieces of land in the state and designate it as sovereign tribal territory, which is, by most opinions, a noble cause. However, the bill is not finding support from President Donald Trump. He has publicly asserted that he will veto the bill if it reaches the Resolute desk, and it isn’t simply because the legislation is backed by his nemesis, Senator Elizabeth Warren.

The issue with HB 312 is that it seeks to authorize a land grant to a tribe that wasn’t designated a federally-recognized tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (IRA). The Mashpee tribe didn’t receive its designation until 2007. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government, in no capacity, can allocate land to any tribe not recognized by the IRA.

Even if that were the case, there are plenty of examples of exceptions being made and governments deciding to bend the rules from time to time. The 312 acres in question that would be given to the tribe doesn’t seem like a huge issue.

However, Trump is ready to reject the bill and tweets, “Republicans shouldn’t vote for [HR] 312, a special interest casino bill backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally!”