Senate Committee on Indian Affairs considers two bills at business meeting

• S.886, the Indian Water Rights Settlement Extension Act. The bill extends the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund for existing and future tribal water rights settlements.

Congress created the fund in 2009 and authorized $120 million for it every year from 2020 through 2029. The money, however, has been spoken for and will run out unless lawmakers take action in some form.

The committee has not held a hearing on S.886 in the 116th Congress but members took up a prior version during the last session. The Trump administration would not commit to supporting the legislation at the time.

The Trump administration has adopted a similar position with respect to H.R.1904, a companion to S.886. The House Committee on Natural Resources took testimony on the measure on April 4.

• S.2071, the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act, also known as the RESPECT Act. The bill repeals outdated federal laws that have been called "hateful" and "paternalistic" by members of Congress from both parties.

“The idea that these laws were ever even considered is disturbing,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), who introduced the bill on July 10. “While no longer enforced, the fact that they are still on the books is a tragic reminder of past hostility and racism displayed toward Native Americans. We may not be able to rewrite the past, but we can continue to work toward furthering respect and unity for future generations. Passing our legislation is but one way to show understanding and progress. I thank my colleagues for joining me in this effort and look forward to advancing it in both chambers of Congress.”

“Tribal communities in Arizona deserve to be treated with dignity by the federal government,” said Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), an original co-sponsor. “By repealing these outdated and shameful laws, we can help ensure Native American communities achieve the equality and respect they deserve.”

“The RESPECT Act ensures that we acknowledge and work to solve some of our nation’s previous belittling of Native Americans through our laws,” added Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), another original co-sponsor. “As we continue to cultivate our national values based on respect and dignity for all people, we can and should address antiquated and offensive old laws put in place to specifically isolate Native Americans. I look forward to the consideration of our bill in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.”

The committee has not held a hearing on S.2071 in the 116th Congress but a prior version passed the Senate during the last session before failing to see action in the U.S. House of Representatives.