119th Congress
S. 563
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became law
- Sponsor
- Martin Heinrich(D-NM)
- Introduced
- Feb 13, 2025
- Policy area
- Native Americans
- Committees
- Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
- Official text
- Reported to Senate · Congress.gov page
Cosponsors (1)
Original cosponsors (1)
- Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)
Summary
Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Introduced in Senate” version
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure.
The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.
Roll-call votes
No recorded votes on this bill.
Actions
- Jun 4, 2026 · Senate
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428. - Jun 4, 2026 · Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-124. - Mar 5, 2025 · Senate
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. - Feb 13, 2025 · Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. - Feb 13, 2025
Introduced in Senate