This bill extends federal drought relief programs established under the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, pushing the authorization deadline from 2022 to 2028. It allows the Bureau of Reclamation to continue providing emergency assistance to states dealing with water shortages, including drought-related planning, water conservation projects, and emergency water supplies. The legislation primarily affects western states that rely on federal water management programs during periods of drought. By extending the authorization through 2028, the bill ensures continued funding and program authority without a lapse, giving states and water managers ongoing access to federal drought preparedness resources. The bill was introduced by Senator Hickenlooper with bipartisan support and was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources without amendments.
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