Reclamation defends Colorado River negotiations and Indian water rights focus as members worry about cuts to WaterSmart and settlements funding
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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 to Indian tribes," Cameron said, noting that Indian water rights settlements are a significant concern for the bureau.
Members repeatedly asked about the status of ongoing settlements, the bureau's role in funding them and whether settlements might be funded from the judgment fund rather than annual appropriations; Cameron said the bureau is "focused primarily on the statutory deadlines for filling our financial obligations to Indian tribes" and is working with tribes on potential regional settlement approaches.
Several Western members pressed about the Colorado River negotiations. Cameron said the secretary directed senior political leadership to work intensely with the seven basin states and to seek a seven-state solution; he added that, if the states cannot agree, the secretary would consider exercising his authority as water master in the Lower Basin.
Members also raised reports that the WaterSmart program could be zeroed out in FY2026. Cameron would not discuss final budget details but told members that "water conservation, particularly in the Colorado drainage, is a priority of this administration" and that a FY25 WaterSmart notice of funding opportunity was expected to be released in summer.
Representative Susie Lee and others asked whether WaterSmart-funded projects already appropriated would remain open for application; Cameron indicated funding opportunities were in the pipeline. Members said they expected the bureau to continue outreach for technical assistance and for the bureau to work with rural counties that may lack federal permitting capacity.
Lawmakers asked for a written follow-up on Central Utah Project funding changes and other specific allocations; the subcommittee said it will send questions for the record. Cameron said Reclamation aims to leverage nonfederal partners and local acquisition processes where that helps deliver projects faster and at lower cost.