S.546 - Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
This bill, S. 546, titled the "Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025," aims to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The amendment involves a technical correction to the water rights settlement for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the appropriation of $5,124,902.12 to the Secretary for deposit into the Development Fund to adjust interest payments. This adjustment is intended to fulfill obligations related to the water rights settlement.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Ms. Cortez Masto and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage will result in a specific allocation of funds to correct a previous water rights settlement. This will likely lead to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes receiving the adjusted interest payments as intended by the original agreement.
This correction aims to resolve any discrepancies or shortfalls in the funding allocated for the Development Fund. It ensures that the tribes receive the full benefits of the water rights settlement.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes receive the full financial benefits of the water rights settlement.
- Corrects a technical error in the original legislation, promoting accuracy and accountability.
- Provides financial resources for the Development Fund, potentially supporting tribal development projects.
- Fulfills a commitment made by the U.S. government to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.
- May improve the relationship between the federal government and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill appropriates additional funds, potentially increasing the federal budget deficit.
- The specific use of the Development Fund is not detailed, raising questions about accountability.
- The bill addresses a narrow issue, and may not have broad impact on other tribes or water rights issues.
- There may be opportunity costs associated with allocating these funds, as they could be used for other purposes.
- The bill could set a precedent for similar technical corrections, potentially increasing administrative burdens.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to fulfill a commitment to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, potentially promoting their well-being. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare.
Furthermore, the bill relates to the federal government's treaty obligations and responsibilities towards Native American tribes, which have been historically recognized. The specific constitutional basis for these obligations is derived from the treaty power and the Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes.
Given that the bill addresses a technical correction and fulfills a prior commitment, it does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).