Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries conducted a legislative hearing on 12 bills concerning Indian water rights and settlements. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the proceedings:

"Today's hearing was an important chance for us to discuss Indian water rights settlements across the west and work towards peaceful negotiation rather than unnecessary litigation. I'd like to thank the numerous witnesses for their insightful testimony today and my colleagues for their hard work on the legislation we discussed."

Among the bills discussed was HR. 7240, the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), which approves the Montana-Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Compact involving negotiations between the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes with the United States regarding tribal water rights.

H.R. 8791, also named the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), mirrors H.R. 7240 but includes additional provisions for appropriations to develop a wastewater treatment facility benefiting the Blackfeet Tribe.

Another significant bill is H.R. 8920, the Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.), which authorizes a settlement agreement between the Tule River Tribe and downstream state-based water users.

H.R. 8940, introduced by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), aims to settle water rights claims involving multiple tribes in Arizona: Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

U.S. Rep David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) presented H.R. 8949, which authorizes a settlement agreement for Yavapai-Apache Nation in Arizona requiring BOR to plan and construct a comprehensive water infrastructure project.

H.R. 8953, put forth by U.S. Rep Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), amends existing legislation to ensure flexibility in delivering clean water to Crow Tribe communities and completing energy projects.

Additionally discussed were several bills introduced by U.S Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.): H.R 1304 addresses Rio San José and Rio Jemez water settlements; H.R 3977 amends previous acts related to Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project; H.R 6599 involves technical corrections for New Mexico rural water projects; H.R 8685 concerns Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo's claims in Rio Chama Stream System; and H R .8945 resolves Navajo Nation's claims in Rio San José Basin.

Lastly ,H R .8951 ,introduced by U S .Rep Gabe Vasquez(D -N M ),authorizes settlement agreements resolving disputes between Pueblo of Zuni ,the United States ,and New Mexico .