Rep. Vasquez Demands Passage of Tribal Water Settlements for Zuni, Acoma, Laguna, and Other Communities in New Mexico

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 4, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded the passage of pending Indian water settlements for Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna Pueblo along with other Tribal communities in New Mexico. In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to leadership and committees, Rep. Vasquez proposed extending Customs and Border Protection user fees through 2034 to pay for the cost of the settlements — offering a solution for the ongoing pay-for issues which have blocked consideration of  these Indian water settlements in the House. 

“It’s time for Congress to live up to the promises it has made to Tribal communities across this country and make sure these water settlements are reached as soon as possible,” said Vasquez. “With the bipartisan, commonsense solutions proposed in this letter, Tribal communities in New Mexico can have greater certainty in their access to the water resources they deserve, while saving American taxpayers millions of dollars in the process.”

“Completion of these settlements will save taxpayers millions of dollars, provide water access and certainty to Tribal and non-Tribal water users across the West, avoid years of protracted and costly litigation, and support the United States’ trust responsibility to Tribes,” lawmakers stated in the letter. 

Rep. Vasquez continues to fight for reforms in Congress to ensure the federal government is upholding its obligation to ensure Tribal nations have what they need to thrive across the United States. This work builds on Rep. Vasquez’s Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act, Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, and Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act — all of which sought to pass Tribal water settlements for communities in New Mexico. 

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