US Federal House Bill HB2073

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Refer: 8/29/25

Caption

Defending our Dams Act

Summary

HB 2073, titled the “Defending our Dams Act,” would bar the use of federal funds to allow, advance, or study the breach or functional alteration of the Lower Snake River dams in Washington. The prohibition is broad and covers not only dam removal itself, but also studies related to replacing the dams’ power, flood control, or navigation functions, as well as technical assistance for dam removal. The bill also restricts spillage operations at the Lower Snake River dams. Under the measure, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, could not carry out spillage operations unless both the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration approve them, and any decision must consider the operations of the entire Columbia River System. The bill defines the affected dams as Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite dams.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would limit federal agencies’ ability to spend money on dam breaching, dam alteration, or related planning and technical support for the four Lower Snake River dams. It would also constrain operational flexibility for spill management at those dams by adding an approval requirement involving the Army and Bonneville Power Administration. The measure would affect federal river management, hydropower planning, navigation, flood control, and salmon recovery efforts tied to the Columbia-Snake River system.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is strongly supportive of keeping the Lower Snake River dams in place and preventing federal action toward breaching them. The bill’s sponsors—Representatives Newhouse, Baumgartner, Fulcher, and Bentz—indicate a coalition aligned with dam preservation and regional infrastructure interests. No recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts are provided, but the title and text reflect a clear pro-dam position and opposition to removal or study of removal.

Contention

The main point of contention is the long-running debate over whether the Lower Snake River dams should be breached or altered to improve salmon and ecosystem outcomes versus preserved for hydropower, navigation, irrigation, and flood control. Supporters of the bill are likely to argue that federal funds should not be used to advance dam removal or related studies, while opponents would likely view the measure as obstructing salmon recovery planning and limiting agency flexibility. The spillage restriction may also be controversial because it could affect river operations and environmental management decisions.