Daines’ Bill Ensuring Clean Water for Crow Tribe Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to President’s Desk

• September 25, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his bill, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President's desk to be signed in the law. The bill passed the U.S. House last week, led by Representative Troy Downing.

"This bill is a necessity for the Crow Tribe and surrounding communities and will ensure the tribe has the resources they need to deliver safe, reliable access to clean water to the reservation and complete a hydropower project to bring new baseload generation to the region. I'm grateful for Representative Downing's work to get this passed in the House and am thrilled to see it pass the Senate- let's get it across the finish line!" said Daines.

"Today, S. 240, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, passed the U.S. Senate. This legislation gives the Crow Tribe greater flexibility to develop critical water infrastructure and keep long-overdue projects moving forward on the reservation.

We must continue honoring our commitments to the Crow Tribe and strengthening Montana's water infrastructure. Thank you to Senator Daines for leading this bill in the Senate and sending it to the President's desk," said Downing.

Read the bill text HERE.

Background:

The "Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act" of 2009 settled the Crow Tribe's water rights and authorized $460 million to construct a water system for the tribe. The "Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlements Amendments Act" would update the previous settlement to be fund-based rather than project-based, and also extends the authorization for the Tribe to develop hydropower on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam until 2030, providing clean energy and an economic boost to the community.

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Contact: Gabby Wiggins