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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 14, 2023
Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023
This bill modifies and ratifies a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Fort Belknap Indian Community (i.e., the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes).
The bill requires the community's water rights to be held in trust for the benefit of the community and its allottees. The community must enact a tribal water code to regulate its water rights.
Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (as applicable) to enter negotiations with Montana to exchange certain state lands for federal lands to be held in trust for the benefit of the community.
The bill also
establishes the Aaniiih Nakoda Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill,
establishes the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Implementation Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill, and
provides funding for specified accounts established by the bill.
People & committees
Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT] · D–MT
Legislative record
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Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4188-4198)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4188-4198)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4172)
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 118-120.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Dec 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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