Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Tribal Water Infrastructure Grants Expansion Act

Summary

The Tribal Water Infrastructure Grants Expansion Act aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide increased assistance to Indian Tribes for water infrastructure projects. It increases the funds reserved for grants to tribal entities and authorizes additional appropriations for these purposes. The bill also removes matching requirements for grants and applies specific requirements related to construction and maintenance of treatment works.

Expected Effects

This act will likely lead to improved water quality and infrastructure in tribal communities. It will also provide more resources for training and technical assistance related to water treatment. The additional funding and removal of matching requirements could make it easier for tribes to access the resources they need.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased funding for tribal water infrastructure projects.
  • Improved access to clean and safe water for tribal communities.
  • Enhanced training and technical assistance for water treatment operations.
  • Reduced financial burden on tribes through the removal of matching requirements.
  • Potential for job creation in construction and maintenance of water infrastructure.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increased federal spending, potentially contributing to the national debt.
  • Possible delays in project implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
  • Risk of funds being mismanaged or used inefficiently.
  • Potential for disputes over project priorities and resource allocation among tribes.
  • Limited impact if the authorized appropriations are not fully funded.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) of the Constitution by promoting the well-being of tribal communities through improved water infrastructure. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which supports legislation addressing tribal water resources. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).