PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 13, 2025
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.
People & committees
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] · D–NM
Legislative record
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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-124.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-124.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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