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Reclamation defends Colorado River negotiations and Indian water rights focus as members worry about cuts to WaterSmart and settlements funding
Summary
Bureau of Reclamation officials told the committee they are prioritizing seven-state consensus on Colorado River guidelines and meeting statutory deadlines for funding Indian water rights settlements, while members expressed alarm over the administration's proposed $609 million reduction and reports that WaterSmart funding could be curtailed.
The Bureau of Reclamation told the Appropriations subcommittee that it is prioritizing consensus-based negotiations with the seven Colorado River basin states and focusing on statutory deadlines for Indian water rights settlements, even as lawmakers warned that the bureau's proposed FY2026 top-line could imperil settlements and conservation programs.
Scott Cameron, senior adviser to the secretary, described the Reclamation budget blueprint as $1.2 billion focused on maintaining assets that deliver water and power across the West. "Within a budget constrained environment, we intend to do everything we can to meet our obligations…
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