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Last progress December 10, 2025 (1 month ago)
Introduced on April 14, 2025 by Elise M. Stefanik
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5085)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Treats certain lands owned by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe inside the Settlement Acquisition Areas as "Indian Country" under federal law. This applies to lands the Tribe owned on the Settlement Agreement’s effective date and to lands the Tribe acquires inside those areas afterward, subject to the Settlement Agreement's terms and limitations.
Declares that land owned on the effective date of the Settlement Agreement by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within the Settlement Acquisition Areas shall be Indian Country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151(a), subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the Settlement Agreement.
Declares that land acquired by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe within the Settlement Acquisition Areas after the effective date of the Settlement Agreement shall be Indian Country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151(a), subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the Settlement Agreement.
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.
Updated 6 days ago
Last progress December 15, 2025 (1 month ago)
Primary effect: the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe gains the legal status of "Indian Country" on specified lands, which changes which laws and authorities apply there. For criminal matters, federal statutes that apply in Indian Country will be triggered, and tribal courts may exercise greater civil and regulatory authority. State jurisdiction over those lands may be reduced or altered, depending on the Settlement Agreement and existing federal law. Local non‑tribal residents and businesses located on or near the lands may see differences in applicable law, permitting, taxation, and law enforcement response. Federal and state law enforcement agencies, courts, and regulatory bodies will need to coordinate to implement the jurisdictional change and to handle cross-jurisdictional issues. The provision does not appropriate funds or mandate new federal spending, but it may require administrative coordination and potential changes to how services and enforcement are delivered in the affected areas.