[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE ARIZONA WATER SETTLEMENTS ACT OF 2000

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a sponsor of the Arizona 
Water Settlements Act of 2000, H.R. 5529. This legislation, which was 
introduced yesterday with the support of the entire Arizona House 
Delegation, will resolve several long-standing issues pertaining to the 
repayment obligations and water allocation related to the Central 
Arizona Project. Although outstanding issues remain, significant 
progress has been made. It is my hope that the introduction of this 
bill will encourage all parties involved to quickly finalize the few 
remaining issues of the agreement, as well as show the Delegation's 
strong commitment to seeing this process through.
  Among the issues yet to be firmly resolved is that of the procedures 
though which Tribes may bring land acquired after the settlement date 
into ``trust.'' It is my understanding that although the Tribes have 
been working closely with the State parties, and that a tremendous 
amount of work has already been accomplished, the final details have 
yet to be agreed upon. Settling this issue will require a delicate 
balance of interests, and the outcome will impact not only the parties 
to this settlement, but other tribes as well, including the Pascua 
Yaqui and Tohono O'Odham in the district I represent. In fact, all of 
Indian Country will be looking to this provision because it could very 
well affect all future Native American water and land dispute 
settlements. Therefore, this matter must be finalized in a manner that 
sets an acceptable precedent if the final agreement is to maintain the 
broad support enjoyed by this preliminary legislation.
  There are other important and difficult issues yet to be resolved, 
including the utilization of settlement funds. Nevertheless, I am 
extremely encouraged that all the parties are so close to an agreement 
and focused on cooperation. I commend all the parties involved for 
their determination to make this happen and their commitment to 
negotiate their differences for the benefit of all Arizonans. This 
agreement is a cornerstone of the foundation on which Arizona will 
thrive in the future. I am proud to support the new Act, and I look 
forward to enacting final legislation on this issue early in the 107th 
Congress.

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