01 — The Text
What.
- Authorizes settlement agreement between Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and New York state, counties, towns, and power authority over Akwesasne land rights.
- Restores land rights and access to tribal members; provides tuition assistance for postsecondary education.
- Requires New York Power Authority to make annual payments to tribe and recognizes newly acquired tribal land as Indian country for legal jurisdiction.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Mohawk Tribe gains long-disputed land access, education funding, and recurring state payments after years of legal battles.
- New York Power Authority and municipalities resolve liability exposure from outstanding claims.
- Tribal sovereignty expands: acquired lands get federal Indian country status, affecting criminal jurisdiction and tribal self-governance.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed it Dec. 9, 2025. Senate Indian Affairs Committee held hearings June 3, 2026—currently stalled in committee with no timeline for floor vote.
- Contact your senator's office to ask their position if settlement matters to your community.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Jun 3, 2026 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Dec 10, 2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Dec 9, 2025 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Dec 9, 2025 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5085)
- Dec 9, 2025 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5085)
- Dec 9, 2025 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2916.
- Dec 9, 2025 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5085-5086)
- Dec 9, 2025 — Mr. Crank moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.