Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7872) to amend the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act to modify certain requirements applicable to salinity control units, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7872, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7872, the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act. The Colorado River is a critical resource for the basin's seven States.

Since the 1970s, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program has operated salinity control projects to reduce salinity levels in the river, which helps to improve crop yields for farmers. This effort is crucial since agriculture is the most significant component of the basin's economy.

Historically, this program has been funded through both appropriations and power revenues. However, the Colorado River has experienced historic ongoing multidecade drought conditions that have reduced hydropower generation and created an imbalance between the program's obligations and the costs payable through hydropower.

The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act would address this challenge by reducing the cost-share percentages from hydropower revenues and increasing the Federal nonreimbursable costs for the salinity programs across the Colorado River Basin.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Again, H.R. 7872 builds on important efforts undertaken by all seven States in the Colorado River Basin to ensure that salinity control projects are funded.

These projects support farmers and ranchers across the region and lead to better environmental outcomes. The importance of this work cannot be overstated.

Lastly, I thank Congressman John Curtis for his work in moving this legislation forward. While we will miss him on our committee next year, I know we will continue to find ways to work with him in his new role at the other end of the Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage adoption of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act introduced by my colleague from Utah (Mr. Curtis).

The Colorado River is, of course, one of the American West's national treasures, but it is also a vital source of fresh water for 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland across seven States and Mexico.

These communities rely on this river for water that is essential to their livelihoods.

Agriculture and natural leaching can lead to the rising levels of salinity that threaten the water quality of these communities and the amount of water available to be used for hydropower generation.

Congress recognized the crucial need to limit the river's salinity in 1974 when it passed the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, which authorized a desalting complex, and by passing further amendments to establish a basin-wide salinity control project.

For years, these actions have helped maintain the salinity content within the river.

The problem of salinity now, however, has been significantly intensified by continually worsening drought conditions, which have limited hydropower generation and, in turn, the funds made available for salinity control programs.

This bill before us today prompts us to once again take action to preserve the water quality in the Colorado River. Specifically, this legislation would increase the Federal cost share for the program to account for the impacts of ongoing drought.

We must ensure that the Colorado River's clean fresh water does not become ruined by our inaction.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act, a critical piece of legislation addressing a longstanding challenge to the people of Utah.

High salinity levels in the Colorado River have far-reaching consequences. They threaten the beauty and the integrity of Utah's national parks, impact our ranchers and farmers, and jeopardize drinking water for millions of Americans.

Decades ago, Congress recognized the urgency of this issue. In 1974, the Colorado River Salinity Control Program was established to combat harmful effects of salt discharged into the river from natural saline rock formations.

However, we now face new challenges, including reduced water flows and increasing pressures on the Federal budget. The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act makes vital adjustments to this program, ensuring its continued effectiveness while adapting to modern realities.

I am pleased to see this important bill before us today. It represents a significant step toward preserving Utah's iconic landscapes, safeguarding our water resources, and ensuring a clean and reliable water supply for Utahns and all who depend on the Colorado River.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill and join me in protecting one of our Nation's most important resources.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 7872, which was received from the House and is at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.