Legislative Activity

This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification, highlighting their significant contributions to student learning and leadership. It acknowledges the rigorous standards required for certification and the positive impact these teachers have, especially in addressing learning loss. The resolution encourages increased support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance educational quality. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers.

This bill settles water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico's Zuni River Stream System and safeguards the Zuni Salt Lake by establishing trust funds, clarifying water rights, and withdrawing federal lands from certain uses. It aims to resolve disputes, improve water infrastructure for the Tribe, and protect culturally significant areas, ensuring the Zuni Tribe has control over key lands and resources. The bill also defines land management practices and protects existing water rights of individual Native American landholders.

The "Navajo Nation Rio San Jos Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" settles water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico's Rio San Jose Stream System. It ratifies an agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, establishing a trust fund for water projects and infrastructure. The Act defines water rights, waivers, and releases of claims, and it addresses the rights of individual land allottees. It also authorizes the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to include communities within the Rio San Jos Basin.

This bill settles water rights claims for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico, ratifying agreements between the Pueblos, the state, and other parties. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to execute these agreements, establishes trust funds for water infrastructure and related projects, and defines the scope and protection of Pueblo water rights. The bill also outlines funding contributions from the federal government and the State of New Mexico, while requiring the Pueblos to waive certain claims in exchange for the settlement benefits. Ultimately, the goal is to resolve long-standing water disputes and promote economic development within the Pueblo communities.

The "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025" aims to settle all water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo within the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. This will be achieved through the ratification and implementation of a settlement agreement between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties, with the Secretary of the Interior authorized to execute the agreement and manage a trust fund of over $745 million for water infrastructure, restoration, and economic development. In exchange for these benefits, the Pueblo will waive certain past and present water rights claims. The Act outlines specific conditions for the agreement's enforceability, waivers, and the management of water rights and project funding.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The "Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2025" aims to increase apprenticeship opportunities for high school students by enabling the Secretary of Labor to contract with industry intermediaries. These contracts will support the development and expansion of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in high-need occupations, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, disconnected youth, and individuals with disabilities. Funds can be used for various support services, apprentice wages, educational materials, and equipment. The Act prioritizes industry intermediaries that focus on specific student populations and high-need school districts.