Protecting Indian Water Rights Settlements Act of 2026

This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to establish two new subaccounts within the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund, ensuring the United States fulfills its obligations for Indian water rights settlements. These subaccounts will receive dedicated annual funding from 2026 through 2035, available to the Secretary of the Interior without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation. The Operations, Maintenance, Repair, and Ongoing Obligations Subaccount will receive $45 million annually, specifically allocated for water delivery, operation, maintenance, and repair costs for several existing settlements, including those for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Hualapai Tribe. The New and Continuing Settlements Subaccount will receive $250 million annually to satisfy U.S. obligations under any Indian water rights settlement approved by Congress. The Secretary of the Interior retains discretion over the timing and amounts of transfers from this subaccount to expeditiously complete eligible settlements.