Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025

This bill would settle certain claims between the federal government and the Quapaw Nation and some of its members, a tribe in Oklahoma. It would set up a new trust account managed by the Interior Department and make a one-time $137.5 million payment into it. The money would then be paid out to the tribe and eligible members following a federal court review panel’s recommendation .

It also lays out how the funds get shared. The tribe and the affected members must try to agree on a plan through mediation within 45 days after the law takes effect. If they still can’t agree, the Interior Department steps in after up to 18 months, holds a hearing, makes a final plan, and then sends out the funds based on that plan .

• Who is affected: The Quapaw Nation and certain individual members of the tribe.
• What changes: Creates the Quapaw Bear Settlement Trust Account, places it under the Interior Department’s Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, and transfers $137.5 million from the U.S. Treasury for distribution under the court panel’s recommendation.
• When: Mediation must start within 45 days of enactment; if no agreement within 18 months, the Interior Department issues a final plan and pays out, including distributing funds within 60 days after the final decision .