U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (N.M.-03), have called on congressional leaders to finalize outstanding tribal water settlements and address related technical amendments.
In a letter addressed to Senate Leader John Thune, Speaker Mike Johnson, and other committee chairs and ranking members in both chambers, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of completing these settlements. “We write as members representing states and districts with pending Indian water rights settlements. Completion of these settlements will save taxpayers millions of dollars, provide water access and certainty to Tribal and non-Tribal water users across the West, avoid years of protracted and costly litigation, and support the United States’ trust responsibility to Indian Country. We urge you to prioritize passage of these bills and utilize an extension of Customs User Fees to offset the costs of those that require new spending,” they wrote.
The letter was also signed by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), as well as Representatives Troy Downing (MT-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02).
One key settlement awaiting completion is the Northern Montana Water Security Act, which remains the last unresolved water settlement in Montana. Senator Daines has continued efforts for its passage, including recent remarks before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Another legislative effort highlighted is the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act. This bill proposes technical changes to the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009, aiming to give the tribe greater flexibility in implementing its water rights agreement. The amendments are intended to help deliver clean water to the reservation and advance energy development projects without reopening existing agreements.
