Drought Preparedness Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4385) to extend authorization of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4385

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Drought Preparedness Act''. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION.

(a) Drought Program.--Section 104(c) of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 (43 U.S.C. 2214(c)) is amended by striking ``2022'' and inserting ``2028''.

(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 301 of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 (43 U.S.C. 2241) is amended by striking ``2022'' and inserting ``2028''.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. 4385, the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4385, sponsored by Congressman Neguse of Colorado. This legislation extends authorities granted to the Bureau of Reclamation under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, which provided Reclamation emergency authorities to make water available for users outside of a project's area, offer loans to water users to build drought mitigation infrastructure and make water available for fish and wildlife restoration efforts, among others.

Since 1992, when this legislation was enacted, Reclamation has relied on these authorities to assist communities across the 17 Reclamation States and territories to effectively manage water resources and mitigate impacts posed by droughts and natural disasters.

As the western United States responds to drought events and with the cost of these events posing ever greater financial burdens, it is critical that Reclamation continues to utilize these important authorities to pursue its vital mission, helping to support local economies and ensuring access to water resources.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, when President George H.W. Bush signed the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, he said that the legislation would help us serve as good neighbors in times of need.

The Drought Preparedness Act reauthorizes vital authorities that the Bureau of Reclamation has relied on for more than three decades to do just that--help communities respond and to prepare for droughts, ensure effective management of water resources, and encourage fish wildlife restoration efforts. These efforts are critically important.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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