S. 563Heading to a voteFamily & community
Senate bill confirms Ohkay Owingeh water rights settlement in New Mexico
Data as of July 16, 2026
The bill confirms a 2023 water rights settlement for Ohkay Owingeh pueblo and directs about $745 million in federal funding.55-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill approves a 2023 legal settlement recognizing Ohkay Owingeh's water rights to the Rio Chama river system, protecting those rights from loss due to non-use, and setting rules for using, sharing, or leasing the water, with leases capped at 99 years. It creates a trust fund and requires federal, state, and local contributions for water infrastructure, bosque restoration, and irrigation systems.
Who does it affect?
It directly affects Ohkay Owingeh tribal members, farmers using acequia irrigation ditches along the Rio Chama, the City of Espanola, and New Mexico state government.
Why does it matter?
The settlement resolves long-running litigation over Rio Chama water rights in exchange for the pueblo and federal government dropping related lawsuits and claims. If the settlement isn't fully certified by 2038, the agreement and its legal waivers expire and unused federal funds must be returned.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Federal trust fund ~$745 million
- State and city fund irrigation upgrades
- Unused funds returned if deadline missed
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote — You are here
- House
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a Senate floor vote. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- February 13, 2025
- Latest action:
- June 4, 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 428.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.