Claims Resolution Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Claims Resolution Act, a bill that is the result of many long years of negotiations. This bill will ratify settlements in two significant New Mexico water rights cases. The Aamodt and Taos Pueblo Indian water rights cases have been in Federal court for many decades. These cases sought to bring justice to Native Pueblos who, like any other Western community, depend on water as their lifeblood.

After many decades, the Claims Resolution Act will bring much-needed certainty to the Pueblos of northern New Mexico by restoring their right to clean, reliable water. Cooperation and collaboration are far too rare when it comes to managing water resources in the West.

The Aamodt and Taos Pueblo Indian water bills are an example of how we can manage this precious resource without pitting towns against farms and farms against tribes. The legislation has bipartisan support and was passed by the Senate by unanimous consent. I commend President Obama and Secretary Salazar for upholding our Nation's responsibilities to Native Americans, and we should finish that work today by ratifying these settlements.

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