The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 updates the existing water rights agreement between the Crow Tribe of Montana and the state of Montana. This bill modifies the 2010 settlement that allowed for water projects on the Crow Reservation. The amendments include changing references from a singular MR&I System to multiple MR&I Projects, creating specific accounts for funding the rehabilitation of the Crow Irrigation Project and other water infrastructure projects, and extending the Crow Tribe's exclusive rights to build hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam until 2030.
S. 240 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Steve Daines (Republican) and is currently listed as “Passed Both Chambers”. It is classified under the Native Americans policy area, one of 78 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Steve Daines is the sponsor of 18 bills in our database this Congress, so S. 240 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
FEC records show Steve Daines received $892.5 million from industries this bill affects, led by Retired, Government.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 240 4/10 (moderate risk), higher than 89% of analyzed bills; the average in Native Americans is 3.4/10.
Media outlets that support the bill highlight its role in advancing infrastructure development for the Crow Tribe, ensuring long-term water security, and empowering the tribe with extended rights to develop hydropower. These developments are seen as steps towards greater self-sufficiency and economic growth for the tribe.
Critics of the bill express concerns about the potential for mismanagement of funds and whether the amendments adequately address the environmental impacts of the proposed projects. Some also question the extension of exclusive rights for hydropower development, arguing it could delay broader energy initiatives in the region.
The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, sponsored by Steve Daines, has some potential conflicts of interest due to the overlap between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donors. The Retired and Government sectors, who have donated a total of $892,500,000 to Daines, have a vested interest in the subject matter of the bill, which concerns Native Americans. It's important to note that while these sectors are not directly related to water rights or Native American affairs, their influence cannot be entirely discounted. The Retired sector's involvement may be due to the demographic's interest in Native American affairs, while the Government sector's involvement is more directly related to the legislative process. However, the lack of direct overlap between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donors mitigates the risk of a significant conflict of interest.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired (W06) | Sector | Native Americans | $637,500,000 |
| Government (W02) | Sector | Native Americans | $255,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $892,500,000 | ||
Top industries funding Steve Daines, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
What does S. 240 do?
The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 updates the existing water rights agreement between the Crow Tribe of Montana and the state of Montana. This bill modifies the 2010 settlement that allowed for water projects on the Crow Reservation. The amendments include changing references from a singular MR&I System to multiple MR&I Projects, creating specific accounts for funding…
Has S. 240 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on S. 240 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Passed Both Chambers”.
Who funds the sponsor of S. 240?
FEC records show Steve Daines received $892.5 million from industries this bill affects, led by Retired, Government. Overlap does not imply wrongdoing; it shows where financial interests and legislation intersect.
Does S. 240 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 240 4/10 (moderate risk), higher than 89% of analyzed bills; the average in Native Americans is 3.4/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of S. 240?
S. 240 is currently “Passed Both Chambers” as of our last update on September 30, 2026.
Who sponsored S. 240?
S. 240 was sponsored by Steve Daines (Republican).
