Representatives Issa, Calvert, and Senator Padilla Introduce Pechanga Water Settlement Amendment Bill

May 1, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C.— This week, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), alongside Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Senator Alex Padilla (CA) introduced bipartisan legislation that will make technical amendments to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act. “The Pechanga Band of Mission Indians is a critically important civic and cultural institution to our Southern California community, and I know they will carry out its rightful stewardship with precision and care to preserve and protect the tribal lands,” said Rep. Issa. “We worked diligently to introduce this legislation that will allow Pechanga to address important community concerns, and my thanks go to Senator Padilla for his partnership and support of our tribal communities across California.” “For generations, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians has been a dedicated steward of land and water resources within the Santa Margarita River Watershed,” said Senator Padilla . “This legislation makes long-overdue updates to the Pechanga Band Water Rights Settlement to reflect current trust lands and confront modern water quality challenges like PFAS contamination. Tribal water rights are fundamental to sovereignty, public health, and long-term sustainability, and this bill ensures the Tribe has the tools and flexibility to continue protecting its water resources for future generations.” “The Pechanga Water Settlement Amendments legislation builds upon the original settlement act that I was proud to sponsor. This bill provides important technical amendments that the Pechanga Band of Indians and all stakeholders support. I appreciate my colleague, Rep. Issa, sponsoring this legislation,” said Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) . The amendments will allow the Tribe to add additional land placed into trust and located within the Santa Margarita River Watershed to be included in the reservation. Pechanga will also be given expanded capabilities to address water quality issues in the Wolf Valley Basin. The full bill text can be found here . ###