Bill · H.R. 1451· House(119-HR-1451)
Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/21/2025
- Last activity
- 4/30/2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Josh Brecheen
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay $137,500,000 to the Quapaw Nation and certain members. These funds are to be directed into a new "Quapaw Bear Settlement Trust Account" managed by the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The payment follows a recommendation from the United States Court of Federal Claims. Once the funds are in the account, the Claimants must establish a plan to distribute the money. This distribution involves a process of mediation or, if that fails, a secretarial allocation procedure.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill authorizes a $137,500,000 settlement payment specifically for the Quapaw Nation and its members.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The settlement provides direct financial transfers to individual claimants of the Quapaw Nation.
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?+5
The bill provides a significant financial settlement of $137,500,000 to the Quapaw Nation and its members.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill requires an authorized payment of $137,500,000 from the Treasury.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial Settlement for Claimants: The bill authorizes a $137,500,000 payment to the Quapaw Nation and specific individuals identified in legal complaints, providing funds in accordance with a court report. (Section 2(a) and 2(d))
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Structured Distribution Process: The act provides a clear path for the distribution of funds through either a mutually agreed-upon plan via mediation or a formal secretarial allocation process if mediation fails. (Section 2(f) and 2(g))
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Mediation Benefits: The process allows for a confidential and non-binding mediation period where claimants can attempt to reach a distribution plan together. (Section 2(g)(1))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden of Mediation: Each Claimant is responsible for paying their own costs, as well as an equal share of the costs for the mediator and the mediation facilities. (Section 2(g)(1)(E))
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Potential for Government Interference in Distribution: If the Claimants cannot reach a mutually agreed-upon plan within 18 months, the Secretary is authorized to step in and determine a final distribution plan. (Section 2(g)(1)(H) and 2(g)(2))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+8Good For Low Income Households+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- 4/30/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 4/23/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
- 2/21/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.