H.R.635 - WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 635, the WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act, aims to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The amendment focuses on increasing Tribal access to water conservation and efficiency grants. Specifically, it allows the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of costs for infrastructure improvements or activities if contributing that share would cause financial hardship for the Indian Tribe.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely result in increased access to funding for water conservation projects for Indian Tribes. This could lead to improved water management and infrastructure on tribal lands. It could also alleviate financial burdens on tribes seeking to implement water-saving measures.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to water conservation grants for Indian Tribes.
- Potential for improved water infrastructure on tribal lands.
- Reduced financial burden on tribes for water management projects.
- Promotes sustainable water usage in tribal communities.
- Supports tribal self-determination in managing water resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal spending, although the scope is limited to tribal water projects.
- May create a dependency on federal funding for some tribes.
- Could lead to disputes over resource allocation if demand exceeds available funds.
- Requires careful oversight to ensure funds are used effectively and efficiently.
- The waiver of non-Federal share could disincentivize tribal contributions to projects.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of Indian Tribes by improving their access to essential resources like water. Congress has broad authority to legislate regarding Native American tribes, stemming from historical treaties and the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes.
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).