The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are one step closer to gaining ownership of the Cape Arago Lighthouse.

A bill to transfer the property into their hands passed out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Thursday by voice vote. Sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

If the Oregon Surplus Federal Land Act of 2008 is adopted, the tribe would receive about 24 acres including tiny Chief’s Island, where the lighthouse sits, and nearby Gregory Point. The land is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, which allows the tribe to use the site for tribal ceremonies.

The tribes have sought ownership of the land since at least 1984, but The U.S. Interior Department contends the tribes do not qualify to assume ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

The bill would override the department’s contentions.

“The Coast Guard no longer needs the Cape Arago Lighthouse for navigation purposes and this will put an historic piece of land to good use while protecting and preserving its cultural significance,” DeFazio said Thursday.

In exchange for ownership, the tribes will have to maintain the light station and make it available to the public at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.

A corresponding bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on June 25. Tom Towslee, a spokesman in Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, said no further action has taken place on the bill, though he does not see it as controversial.

“Everything moves slowly in the Senate,” he said.

Both Wyden and fellow Oregon senator Gordon Smith support the legislation.