AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jun 9, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 16, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill amends the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, which ratified a water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and Montana.
- It establishes a nontrust, interest-bearing Crow CIP Implementation Account to support Bureau of Reclamation work on rehabilitating the Crow Irrigation Project.
- It creates a new MR&I Projects Account, which the tribe must use for water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure activities.
- It replaces references to the 'MR&I System' with 'MR&I Projects' throughout the settlement act.
- It extends by five years (to 2030) the Crow Tribe's exclusive right to construct hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill enables continued federal funding mechanisms for two major water infrastructure projects authorized under the 2010 settlement: the Crow Irrigation Project rehabilitation and the municipal, rural, and industrial water system.
- Designated accounts allow structured management of federal appropriations for these infrastructure activities.
- The extended hydropower development period gives the tribe additional time to pursue energy generation opportunities at the specified dam location.
- No documented effects on water allocation quantities, tribe funding amounts, or project timelines are established in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The Senate passed the bill without amendment by Unanimous Consent on December 11, 2025.
- The House received the bill on December 15, 2025, where it was held at the desk.
- The House passed the amended bill by voice vote under suspension of the rules on September 14, 2026.
- A motion to reconsider was laid on the table on September 14, 2026.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 240.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Dec 15, 2025 — Held at the desk.
- Dec 15, 2025 — Received in the House.