Us Congress House Bill HB1670

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Refer: 4/25/23

Caption

MATCH Act of 2023 Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2023

Impact

By enabling sponsors to incur costs associated with emergency measures prior to formal agreements, HB1670 is likely to streamline and expedite the process of disaster prevention and cleanup. This amendment to the Agricultural Credit Act can potentially lead to more responsive government actions in the wake of natural disasters, where time is a critical factor. However, the bill does not obligate the Secretary to finance these measures, thereby leaving some financial risk with the sponsors responsible for initiating cleanup efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1670, also known as the Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2023, aims to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 by addressing pre-agreement costs related to emergency watershed protection measures. The bill introduces provisions for state and local governments, as well as Indian Tribes, to initiate emergency watershed protection actions before formal agreements are established with the Secretary of Agriculture. This allows for crucial cleanup and prevention measures to be taken swiftly in response to natural disasters.

Contention

The provisions of HB1670 may raise concerns regarding the financial liabilities of local governments and Indian Tribes that act without prior agreement. Critics may argue that while the intention is to facilitate faster response to catastrophic events, it also places a burden on these entities to manage and finance cleanup efforts upfront. This aspect might lead to debates about the adequacy of federal support in the aftermath of such disasters, as well as overall fiscal responsibility in emergency situations.