US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB2186

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration, Working Capital Fund for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The passing of HB2186 would significantly affect how the Department of the Interior manages its financial resources, particularly in the context of natural resource restoration projects. By capping funding, the bill could limit the department's ability to respond to natural disasters or environmental emergencies that require rapid financial support for damage assessments or restoration efforts. This limitation may shift priorities on how the Department allocates its resources and engages in long-term ecological restoration initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 2186 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds allocated to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration, specifically targeting the Working Capital Fund for the fiscal year 2024. The bill stipulates that the total amount that can be appropriated or made available shall not exceed $55,735,000. This measure reflects ongoing discussions regarding budgetary constraints and the prioritization of federal resources within governmental departments.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding HB2186 may relate to the balance between fiscal responsibility and the necessity of adequate funding for environmental conservation efforts. Proponents of the bill may argue that it enforces fiscal discipline and transparency, while opponents might express concerns that a funding cap could lead to inadequate responses in the face of environmental crises, undermining the effectiveness of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration programs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB0172

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US SB0862

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

US HB5613

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB114

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.

US HB255

Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act This bill extends the deadline by which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must (1) conduct a study and develop a plan under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be made less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; and (2) develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on federal disaster assistance awarded. Not later than two years after enactment of this bill, FEMA shall convene a working group on a regular basis to identify (1) potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations; and (2) potential emerging technologies, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (i.e., drones), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments. FEMA must submit a comprehensive report on the plans for streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments and the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress with a briefing. The report must be made available to the public and posted on FEMA's website.

US HB97

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act This bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related purposes. Specifically, the bill establishes exemptions from the ESA for (1) operations related to national defense, and (2) military personnel engaged in such operations. For example, the bill allows such personnel to take (e.g., harm or kill) endangered or threatened species. In addition, the bill expands restrictions on the Department of the Interior designating defense-related areas as critical habitat. It also exempts the Department of Defense from certain requirements to consult with Interior about critical habitats.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB4392

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations from the natural resources trust fund; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB4573

Appropriations: department of natural resources; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.