Fort Peck Water System Reauthorization Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3635
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T13:11:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Fort Peck Water System Reauthorization Act," aims to extend the authorization period for the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000. The original act provides federal support for developing and maintaining a rural water supply system on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, ensuring access to safe and adequate water for tribal and rural communities.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is officially named the "Fort Peck Water System Reauthorization Act."
- Reauthorization Amendment: It modifies Section 9 of the 2000 act by updating the expiration dates in two subsections:
- Subsection (a)(1): Changes the authorization end date from 2026 to 2028.
- Subsection (b): Similarly extends the date from 2026 to 2028.
This ensures continued federal involvement in the water system's planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is a two-year extension of the program's authorization, preventing its lapse at the end of 2026.
- No new programs, funding mechanisms, or operational requirements are added; it simply prolongs the existing framework established in the 2000 act and its prior amendments.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Extends the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's (a federal agency under the Department of the Interior) authority to manage and fund the water system, potentially avoiding disruptions in federal oversight and resource allocation.
- On Citizens: Benefits residents of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and surrounding rural areas in Montana by maintaining reliable water infrastructure, which supports public health, agriculture, and economic stability in underserved communities.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic rural water project focused on U.S. tribal lands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Tribal Communities: Members of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation (Assiniboine and Sioux tribes), who rely on the system for essential water services.
- Rural Residents: Non-tribal rural populations in northeastern Montana connected to the water system.
- Federal Government: The Bureau of Reclamation and Congress, responsible for funding and implementation.
- Local Entities: State and local water authorities in Montana that may collaborate on distribution and maintenance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a routine reauthorization that upholds treaty obligations and federal trust responsibilities to Native American tribes (stemming from historical agreements ensuring resource access on reservations). It does not alter core legal structures but ensures compliance with the original act's intent.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I (e.g., regulating commerce and spending for public welfare) and the federal government's plenary authority over Indian affairs.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for tribal infrastructure (introduced by Senators Daines and Sheehy from Montana), potentially fostering goodwill with Native American communities. It avoids controversy by being a minor extension rather than a major policy shift, but could influence future debates on federal funding for rural and tribal projects amid budget constraints.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
- 2026-01-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-01-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Fort Peck Water System Reauthorization Act — issued 2026-01-14 — PDF (2 pages)