Bill > S2272

This bill, called the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025, addresses the critical issue of water access and infrastructure for Native American Tribes and the Native Hawaiian Community. The legislation recognizes that nearly half of all households on Tribal lands lack reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or basic sanitation, and seeks to remedy this through comprehensive funding and support. The bill authorizes significant financial resources across multiple federal agencies, including $100 million annually through the Department of Agriculture for water and waste facility loans and grants, $500 million annually through the Indian Health Service for sanitation facility construction, and $18 million annually for the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program. The funding is designed to not only construct and repair water infrastructure but also provide technical assistance to help Tribes develop the managerial, financial, and regulatory capacity to maintain these systems. The bill emphasizes the federal government's trust responsibility to ensure the survival and welfare of Indian Tribes and the Native Hawaiian Community, acknowledging that access to clean water is essential for public health, educational attainment, and economic development. Additionally, the legislation removes traditional matching contribution requirements and allows more flexible funding options to help these communities address their critical water infrastructure needs.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2272/all-info