Emergency Rural Water Response Act of 2026
Summary
The Emergency Rural Water Response Act of 2026 amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It expands eligibility for emergency water assistance grants. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, by Mr. Schiff and Mr. Husted.
Expected Effects
The Act will broaden the scope of eligible projects to include associated uses related to water resources infrastructure, such as potable water, wastewater, storm drainage, or solid waste facilities. It also increases the population threshold for eligible communities from 10,000 to 35,000.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to funding for rural communities facing water emergencies.
- Broader range of eligible projects, including wastewater and storm drainage.
- Expanded eligibility to communities with populations up to 35,000.
- Improved water infrastructure in rural areas.
- Potential for enhanced public health and environmental protection.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased demand on existing grant programs.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to increased applications.
- May not address all water-related challenges faced by rural communities.
- Could lead to increased federal spending.
- The Act may not be sufficient to address long-term water infrastructure needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the population. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as water resources can impact commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).