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.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2916
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T02:09:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 2916) aims to resolve long-standing land claims by the Akwesasne Mohawk people in New York State. It authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a legal settlement agreement to settle disputes over land ownership, rights-of-way (paths for utilities or access), and easements (rights to use land for specific purposes). The goal is to provide a fair resolution without further court battles, recognizing historical claims while balancing interests of the tribe, state, and local entities.
Key Provisions
- Ratification of the Settlement Agreement: The bill fully approves the "Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim," signed by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (a traditional governance body), the State of New York, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, the Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, and the New York Power Authority. This agreement outlines how the claims will be addressed, including any compensation or land adjustments.
- Authorization of Land Transfers: It confirms the validity of any past or future transfers of land, rights-of-way, or easements tied to three specific lawsuits:
- Canadian Saint Regis Band of Mohawk Indians v. New York et al. (cases 82-CV-783 and 82-CV-1114).
- Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe v. The State of New York et al. (case 89-CV-829).
These cases involve claims of wrongful land takings or uses dating back decades.
- Designation of Lands as Indian Country:
- Lands owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within defined "Settlement Acquisition Areas" (specific zones outlined in the agreement) are declared "Indian Country."
- This status applies to land owned by the tribe as of the agreement's effective date and any land acquired afterward in those areas.
- "Indian Country" is a legal term under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1151(a)) referring to tribal lands where federal and tribal laws have primary authority over certain matters like criminal jurisdiction, subject to the agreement's rules.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Resolution of Litigation: The bill ends the three ongoing lawsuits by ratifying the settlement, preventing further legal challenges to the land transfers and claims. This shifts from court disputes to a binding agreement.
- Expansion of Tribal Jurisdiction: By designating new areas as Indian Country, the bill alters federal and state jurisdiction over those lands. Previously, these might have been under full state control; now, they fall under a shared federal-tribal framework, which could limit state authority in areas like law enforcement or land use, but only as limited by the settlement terms.
- No broad changes to general U.S. Indian law, but it customizes application for this specific tribe and region.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The federal government (via Congress) gains a settled matter, reducing oversight costs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs or Department of Justice. State agencies in New York, like environmental or power authorities, may face adjusted responsibilities for infrastructure on or near the lands. Local counties and towns could see changes in property taxes or services due to shifted land status.
- On Citizens: Tribal members benefit from secured land rights, potentially improving access to housing, cultural sites, and economic development. Non-tribal residents in affected areas might experience minor disruptions to utilities or borders but gain certainty from resolved disputes. Broader New York residents see no direct impact.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct effect, though the Akwesasne area straddles the U.S.-Canada border, so the settlement could indirectly support cross-border tribal relations by stabilizing U.S.-side claims (the Mohawk Nation spans both countries).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne: Primary beneficiaries, gaining legal recognition of land claims and expanded Indian Country status for cultural, economic, and sovereign purposes.
- State of New York and Local Governments: Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, and Towns of Fort Covington and Bombay, which must comply with the settlement, potentially adjusting local planning or services.
- New York Power Authority: Affected by any easements or rights-of-way for power lines or dams in the area, ensuring continued operations under the agreement.
- Federal Government: Congress and agencies like the Department of the Interior oversee implementation, fulfilling U.S. trust responsibilities to tribes.
- Local Non-Tribal Residents and Businesses: Indirectly impacted through land use changes in the acquisition areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Strengthens tribal sovereignty by affirming land rights under federal Indian law, closing loopholes from historical treaties or takings. It sets a precedent for negotiated settlements over litigation in Native American land disputes, promoting efficiency.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with the U.S. Constitution's Indian Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which gives Congress authority over tribal affairs. No apparent conflicts with property rights under the Fifth Amendment, as the settlement is consensual.
- Political Implications: Represents bipartisan support for tribal relations (passed the House unanimously in this context), fostering goodwill with Native communities. It could encourage similar settlements elsewhere, reducing political tensions over historical injustices without reopening broader debates on reparations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- 2025-12-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5085)
- 2025-12-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5085)
- 2025-12-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2916.
- 2025-12-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5085-5086)
- 2025-12-09: Mr. Crank moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-10-31: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 307.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-355.
- 2025-10-31: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-355.
- 2025-09-17: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-17: Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Discharged
- 2025-06-11: Subcommittee Hearings Held
Bill Versions
- An Act 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. — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (4 pages)
- 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. — issued 2025-04-14 — PDF (3 pages)
- An Act 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. — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (3 pages)
- 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. — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (6 pages)