S.783 - Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.783, the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025, aims to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. The bill seeks to provide additional financial assistance to rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems. This assistance includes grants, low-interest loans, and the potential for loan forgiveness or refinancing.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would provide financial relief to eligible rural entities struggling to maintain essential water and waste services. It would also establish a framework for determining financial hardship based on residential water service affordability. This could lead to improved public health and safety in disadvantaged rural areas.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas.
- Reduced financial burden on rural water systems, preventing service disruptions.
- Targeted assistance to disadvantaged communities, promoting social equity.
- Potential for infrastructure upgrades and improved environmental compliance.
- Increased public health and safety in rural communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and debt.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of funds if eligibility criteria are not well-defined.
- Possible administrative burden in establishing and managing the assistance programs.
- Could create dependency on government assistance rather than promoting long-term self-sufficiency.
- May not address underlying issues of population decline or economic stagnation in rural areas.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It aims to 'promote the general Welfare' by ensuring access to essential services like water and waste disposal in rural communities. The bill's focus on economic development and infrastructure also aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare.
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).