Federal bill would ratify 40-year land settlement with Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe
In committeeH.R. 2916Latest action
Sponsor: Elise M. Stefanik · Representative · NY
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Official title: To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2916 would ratify a negotiated settlement ending 40+ years of land dispute between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and New York.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2916 asks Congress to ratify a negotiated land settlement between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the State of New York, two counties, two towns, and the New York Power Authority. The agreement would formally recognize certain lands in Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties as Indian Country under federal law. Federal ratification is required by law to make Native American land settlements legally final.
Who does it affect?
The settlement directly affects members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and residents of Fort Covington and Bombay, New York. People who own or live near property in the settlement areas of Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties are also affected.
Why does it matter?
Ratifying the agreement would resolve land ownership questions that have remained legally unsettled for over 40 years, ending ongoing litigation for all parties. The Indian Country designation would change how the affected lands are governed and taxed under federal law.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 14, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 3, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.