H.R. 1451: Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025

The Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025 is a bill designed to provide a financial settlement to the Quapaw Nation and specific members of the Quapaw Nation following a recommendation from a U.S. court. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Overview of the Settlement

The bill authorizes a payment of $137.5 million drawn from the U.S. Treasury to be distributed to the Quapaw Nation and individual members as defined in the bill. This payment is made in accordance with a report from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which outlines the terms of the settlement.

Establishment of Accounts

A special deposit account named the "Quapaw Bear Settlement Trust Account" will be created within the Department of the Interior. This account will be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The purpose of this account is to manage the settlement funds for distribution.

Payment Procedures

The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for transferring the $137.5 million to the Quapaw Bear Settlement Trust Account. The payment will occur after the funds are appropriated from the Treasury, specifically for this purpose.

Distribution of Funds

Once the funds are in the trust account, they will be available for use according to a distribution plan established by the Claimants (the Quapaw Nation and specified individuals). The bill outlines that:

• Claimants must agree upon a distribution plan, ideally through mediation.
• If an agreement is not reached within 45 days after the enactment of the Act, a third-party mediator will be involved.
• If mediation fails, Claimants may request the Secretary to determine a final distribution plan.

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

The bill establishes a framework for mediation that aims to help the Claimants resolve disputes regarding the allocation and distribution of the settlement funds:

• Mediation will be confidential and non-binding without consent from all Claimants.
• Costs associated with mediation will be shared among the Claimants.
• Successful mediation outcomes can lead to a mutually agreed distribution plan submitted to the Secretary for approval.

Secretarial Allocation Process

If the Claimants cannot agree on a distribution plan after mediation, the Secretary will have the authority to determine allocations based on the original court report:

• The process includes a hearing presided over by the Secretary or a designated official.
• Claimants will be allowed to present their cases and submit proposed distribution plans.
• A final decision will be rendered within a specified timeframe following the hearing.

Use of Federal Mediation Services

The Secretary is authorized to utilize the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to assist with technical support and resources to resolve disputes as required by the Act.

Relevant Companies

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