The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hosts a business meeting on September 18, 2024.

Four bills were approved at the meeting. They follow:

• S.2695, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. The bill allows tribal law enforcement officers to receive benefits already provided to federal law enforcement. A hearing took place on May 1, with the administration of President Joe Biden and tribal witnesses testifying in support.

• S.3857, the Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act. The bill authorizes the acquisition of about 172 acres in trust for the Jamul Indian Village. The land is located in San Diego County in California. A hearing took place on July 10, with Chairwoman Erica Pinto testifying in support of the measure.

• S.4442, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2024. The bill updates a water settlement with the Crow Tribe, headquartered in Montana. The amendments ensure the tribe has flexibility to develop water and energy projects that fulfill the previously approved water settlement. A hearing took place on June 12, with Chairman Frank Whiteclay testifying in support of the bill.

• S.4505, the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. The bill settles the water rights of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Basin of New Mexico. A hearing took place on July 25, with Governor Larry M. Phillips, Jr. testifying in support of the measure.

The bills can now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Nomination Hearing to consider Patrice H. Kunesh, of Minnesota, to be Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission and Business meeting to consider S. 2695, S. 3857, S. 4442 & S. 4505 (September 18, 2024)