3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN SENATEcompared with REPORTED TO SENATE (Nov 4, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 (Reported in Senate) and v3 (Engrossed in Senate) reflect the bill's progression through the legislative process, including the removal of committee report details and the addition of the 'Passed the Senate' attestation. There are no substantive policy changes to the bill's provisions.

S. 546119th CongressIntroduced Feb 12, 2025

Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Passed SenateNative AmericansSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Committees: Indian Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 15, 2025

Bottom line

This bill provides over $5.1 million in adjusted interest payments to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes as a technical correction to their water rights settlement.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize the appropriation of an additional $5,124,902.12 for deposit into the Development Fund for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation. This appropriation is explicitly designated as 'adjusted interest payments' related to their water rights settlement, correcting a previous calculation or oversight.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary technical correction to ensure the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes receive the full and correct amount of interest due to them under their water rights settlement. They contend it upholds the federal government's trust responsibilities to tribal nations by rectifying an identified oversight or miscalculation in previous payments, thereby fulfilling a commitment made in the original settlement.

Opponents contend

Given the nature of this bill as a technical correction to an existing water rights settlement, specific organized opposition is unlikely. However, general fiscal conservatives might express concern over any new appropriations, regardless of the justification, advocating for strict adherence to original budget figures without adjustments, even for technical reasons.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 2

Authorization of Adjusted Interest Payments for Development Fund

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends a specific part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which originally established a water rights settlement for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. It adds a new clause that authorizes the appropriation of $5,124,902.12. This money is to be deposited into the Tribes' Development Fund and is specifically identified as 'adjusted interest payments,' indicating it is intended to correct or supplement previous interest calculations related to the settlement.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupShoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley ReservationImpactFinancial benefitMechanismDirect appropriation to their Development FundScaleOver $5.1 million

GroupFederal taxpayersImpactFinancial costMechanismFunding through federal appropriationsScaleOver $5.1 million

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for rectifying an error or ensuring the full and fair implementation of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes' water rights settlement. They emphasize that upholding commitments to tribal nations, especially concerning financial aspects of settlements, is a fundamental aspect of federal trust responsibility.

Critics contend

Opponents, if any, might argue that any additional appropriation, even for a technical correction, represents an increase in federal spending that should be scrutinized. They might question the reasons for the original miscalculation and whether such adjustments set a precedent for future claims, though this is a weak argument given the 'technical correction' nature.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension lies between the federal government's obligation to honor its commitments to tribal nations, even if it requires additional appropriations, and the general pressure to limit federal spending. This provision prioritizes fulfilling a specific, identified financial obligation.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.