Us Congress House Bill HB635

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 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