S-1987 : Still Just a Bill

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.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2024-06-21FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2024-06-21FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2024-06-20FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2024-06-20FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4188-4198)Senate
2024-06-20FloorMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4172)Senate
2024-06-20DischargeSenate Committee on Indian Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
2023-07-19CommitteeCommittee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
2023-07-12CommitteeCommittee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 118-120.Senate
2023-06-14IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.Senate
2023-06-14IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Native Americans
See Subjects
  • Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
  • Dams and canals
  • Department of the Interior
  • Economic development
  • Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Federal-Indian relations
  • Government information and archives
  • Government liability
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Government trust funds
  • Historical and cultural resources
  • Hunting and fishing
  • Indian lands and resources rights
  • Indian social and development programs
  • Intergovernmental relations
  • Lakes and rivers
  • Land transfers
  • Land use and conservation
  • Missouri River
  • Montana
  • Outdoor recreation
  • State and local government operations
  • Water quality
  • Water resources funding
  • Water storage
  • Water use and supply
  • Watersheds

Related Bills

See Related Bills