Legislative Activity

The "Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2025" withdraws federal land in New Mexico from mineral and geothermal leasing and mining laws to protect the cultural and historical resources of the Greater Chaco region. The Act terminates non-producing oil and gas leases and prevents their extension, while allowing land conveyances or exchanges with Indian Tribes. This withdrawal aims to preserve the landscape, cultural sites, and visitor experiences, and doesn't affect Indian Tribe mineral rights or community development projects.

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act withdraws federal land in the Pecos Watershed area of New Mexico from mineral and geothermal leasing, as well as mining activities. It also designates the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting it from development while allowing for continued state jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management, established livestock grazing, and necessary measures for wildfire, insect, and disease control. Any land acquired by the U.S. within the wilderness area will be incorporated into and managed as part of the wilderness area.

The "Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025" permanently expands Medicare telehealth access for Indian health programs and urban Indian organizations. It broadens the definition of originating sites to include any location in the United States where an eligible individual is located, including their home. The Act also ensures coverage and payment for specific audio-only telehealth services provided by these programs. These changes aim to improve healthcare access for tribal communities by making telehealth more readily available.

The "Women in Agriculture Act" establishes a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison within the Department of Agriculture to advocate for and assist women in agriculture. The act also amends existing legislation to include ergonomic equipment for women in agriculture research and prioritizes childcare services in agricultural and rural communities for loans and grants. Finally, the act requires the Liaison to submit a public report on the grants, loans, loan guarantees, and cost-share programs made by the Secretary to woman-owned agriculture operations.

The "Caza Ranches LLC and Department of Homeland Security Land Exchange Act of 2025" authorizes a land exchange between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Caza Ranches LLC in Artesia, New Mexico, involving approximately 160 acres of Federal land and 160 acres of non-Federal land. The non-Federal land acquired by DHS will be added to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to support its training mission, while the Federal land will be transferred to Caza Ranches LLC. The costs of the land exchange will be shared equally between the Secretary and Caza Ranches LLC.

The "Home of Your Own Act of 2025" establishes a HUD-administered grant program to assist first-time homebuyers with expenses like down payments and closing costs, up to $30,000 per eligible individual. The funds will be allocated to states and Indian tribes, who will then distribute the funds through community development financial institutions and other approved organizations, and will require financial counseling for all recipients. The bill authorizes $6.7 billion in appropriations annually from 2026 to 2030, with limitations on administrative costs. It defines key terms such as "eligible home" and "eligible person," setting income limits for participants based on area median income.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025 modifies and expands the existing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project by increasing authorized funding to $2,175,000,000, expanding the project's service area, and updating language regarding land acquisition and construction. The act establishes and governs the use of settlement trust funds for the Navajo Nation and Jicarilla Apache Nation, and allows the Navajo Nation to supply non-Project water to its communities in Utah under specific conditions. It also extends deadlines for fund deposits and waivers related to water rights, and clarifies taxation of project facilities.

This bill resolves water rights disputes in New Mexico for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia by ratifying existing agreements and establishing trust funds to manage settlement money. It clarifies and protects the water rights of each Pueblo, ensuring long-term access to water resources, and requires the Pueblos to waive certain claims in exchange for the settlement benefits. The legislation allocates specific funding for water infrastructure, watershed protection, and economic development, contingent upon meeting key conditions and timelines for implementation. By settling these disputes, the bill aims to enhance water security and support economic development for the Pueblos.

The Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 authorizes and ratifies a settlement of water rights claims for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo within the Rio Chama Stream System, establishing a trust fund to support water infrastructure, resource management, and economic development for the Pueblo. The Act defines Pueblo water rights, outlines the process for managing and distributing funds from the trust, and requires specific waivers and releases of claims from the Pueblo and the United States. It also sets forth the conditions for the Act's enforceability, including necessary funding, legal changes by the State of New Mexico, and judicial approval of the settlement.

The Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 seeks to resolve Navajo Nation water rights claims in the Rio San José Stream System by ratifying a settlement agreement between the Navajo Nation, the State of New Mexico, and other parties. The Act establishes a trust fund for the Navajo Nation to manage and utilize for water-related projects and infrastructure, while also defining the scope and limitations of the Navajo Nation's water rights. It also addresses the water rights of individual allottees and allows for the expansion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project service area. The Act includes waivers and releases of certain claims, and requires specific actions by the Secretary of the Interior and the State of New Mexico to ensure the agreement's enforceability.

The BADGES for Native Communities Act aims to improve public safety and address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people by bridging data gaps, ensuring better coordination among law enforcement agencies, and providing resources for tribal communities. It mandates the appointment of Tribal facilitators for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, requires reports on law enforcement resources and needs in Indian Country, and establishes a grant program for missing or murdered response coordination. Additionally, the Act focuses on improving background checks for Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement, studying evidence collection procedures, and enhancing counseling resources for law enforcement officers serving Native communities.