US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB635

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

WaterSMART Access for Tribes ActThis bill allows the Department of the Interior to reduce or waive the nonfederal cost share of certain grants and agreements for assisting Indian tribes in planning, designing, or constructing any water management improvement or carrying out any water-related activity if Interior determines that paying the cost share would result in a financial hardship for the tribe.

Impact

By increasing access to grants, HB635 aims to facilitate infrastructure improvements specifically for Tribal nations, thereby potentially leading to better water conservation practices. The legislation includes provisions that allow the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of project costs if fulfilling that share poses a financial hardship for an Indian Tribe. This adjustment is critical for many Tribes that may struggle with funding even small contributions towards large-scale projects.

Summary

House Bill 635, known as the WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act, is designed to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 with the primary objective of enhancing Tribal access to water conservation and efficiency grants. The bill seeks to address the challenges that Indigenous communities face in securing necessary funding for essential water management projects, recognizing the vital role that water plays in the sustainability and development of Tribal lands.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to empower Tribal communities, there may be concerns regarding reliance on federal grants and the adequacy of such funding to meet the vast needs of these communities. Critics could argue that while waiving the non-Federal share is beneficial, it may not sufficiently address the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure on Tribal lands, especially in the face of climate change and growing water scarcity issues. Additionally, there might be apprehension about the administration and oversight of these grants to ensure that they are effectively utilized.

Congress_id

119-HR-635

Policy_area

Native Americans

Introduced_date

2025-01-22

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB612

A bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US SB4014

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure, and for other purposes.

US SB546

Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

US HB3444

Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

US HB4276

To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes.

US HB188

Proven Forest Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

US HB314

Empowering Nonprofits ActThis bill reduces cost-sharing requirements for grants directly awarded to certain nonprofit organizations for the five years following the bill's enactment. Eligible nonprofit organizations are those located in a U.S. state (including the District of Columbia or a U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession) or federally recognized Indian tribe that has more than 20% of individuals living below the poverty line.Specifically, the bill requires an executive agency, during that time frame, to reduce any cost-sharing requirement by 25% for grants made directly to an eligible nonprofit.

US HB7515

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure.

US HB4377

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.