H.R.726 - Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.726, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010. The bill aims to improve the existing act by modifying definitions, repealing certain sections, and adjusting fund management related to water rights for the Crow Tribe.
Specifically, it redefines the scope of MR&I projects, repeals the MR&I system, and alters the administration of the Crow Settlement Fund. It also establishes a Crow CIP Implementation Account and adjusts the timeline related to the Yellowtail Dam.
Overall, the bill intends to streamline the water rights settlement process and provide greater autonomy to the Crow Tribe in managing their water resources and related infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to provide the Crow Tribe with more direct control over their water resources and the funds allocated for water infrastructure projects. This includes the ability to manage and invest settlement funds and to prioritize the use of funds for water production, treatment, and delivery infrastructure.
Furthermore, the bill clarifies the federal government's role, limiting its obligation for the operation, maintenance, and replacement of MR&I projects. The establishment of the Crow CIP Implementation Account will facilitate the implementation of specific projects outlined in section 405 of the original act.
These changes are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the water rights settlement, ensuring that the Crow Tribe can utilize their water resources to benefit their community.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced tribal sovereignty and self-determination through greater control over water resources.
- Improved water infrastructure, including production, treatment, and delivery systems, benefiting the Crow community.
- Streamlined fund management and investment opportunities for the Crow Tribe.
- Clarified roles and responsibilities between the federal government and the Crow Tribe regarding water projects.
- Potential for economic development through the purchase of on-Reservation land with water rights.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for mismanagement of funds by the Tribe, although the Secretary still has some oversight.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to the new administrative structure.
- Risk of cost overruns or unforeseen challenges in constructing and maintaining water infrastructure.
- Limited federal government obligation for operation, maintenance, and replacement could strain tribal resources in the long term.
- Potential for disputes over water rights allocation and usage within the Tribe.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the federal government's treaty obligations to Native American tribes, as recognized under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) of the Constitution. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which provides a basis for enacting legislation related to water rights settlements.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties. It aims to improve the implementation of a prior settlement agreement, potentially promoting the general welfare (Preamble) by ensuring access to essential water resources for the Crow Tribe.
However, the long-term effects on individual rights within the tribe and the balance of power between the federal government and the tribe would need to be monitored to ensure continued constitutional compliance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).