Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman, held an oversight hearing on March 12 to review federal policies governing Indian water rights settlements and to receive testimony on S. 953, the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025.
The hearing addressed the importance of resolving legal claims related to Native American water rights and highlighted Congress's role in fulfilling trust responsibilities to tribal nations. The discussion is significant as it impacts access to clean water and supports tribal self-determination.
"Indian water rights settlements are about more than resolving legal claims—they’re about honoring our trust responsibilities, strengthening tribal self-determination, and making sure Native communities finally have the infrastructure they need to secure reliable access to clean water," said Murkowski. "Whatever the path forward, we have an obligation to find the resources to uphold our commitments to Tribal Nations so that they can build strong sustainable futures."
Schatz said, "Congress’s obligation to consider legislation that codifies Indian water rights settlements is not optional. It’s the critical final step to ensure our trust responsibilities are met. I urge my colleagues to move pending settlements like S. 953 forward. Authorize them. Fund them. Give Tribes, states, and water users in these basins the certainty they need, not just for today, but for generations to come."
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs supports self-determination for Native American communities through policy development and oversight according to the official website. The committee oversees legislation and federal responsibilities related to Native American tribes in areas such as education, health care, economic development according to the official website, and addresses affairs in Alaska and other U.S. insular regions as per the official website.
The committee also influences federal policy on issues including tribal sovereignty and self-governance as detailed on the official website. It operates as a standing committee dedicated solely to Native American affairs according to the official website, having become permanent in 1984 after originally forming as a select committee in 1816 as noted on the official website.
Written testimony will be accepted by the committee until March 25 at testimony@indian.senate.gov.
