119-HR-6204 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Keep a key Western water‑reuse grant program alive longer: H.R. 6204 extends its legal authorization from 5 to 10 years, letting funds continue to flow for large recycling projects through about 2031. [1]Congress.gov — Text — H.R. 6204 (119th): Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthoriz…[2]Las Vegas Review‑Journal — Bill aims to preserve funding for key solution to Co…

What It Does

The bill makes a single change to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s section on the Large‑Scale Water Recycling Program: it replaces “5 years” with “10 years” in the sunset clause. In plain terms, it keeps the program on the books longer without rewriting anything else. [1]Congress.gov — Text — H.R. 6204 (119th): Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthoriz…

Why that matters: the program funds very large recycled‑water projects (at least $500 million total cost) at up to 25% federal cost share, originally capitalized at $450 million over five years to help drought‑stressed Western communities build local, drought‑resistant supplies. Extending authorization helps Reclamation continue using remaining dollars and awarding grants under existing rules; it does not itself add new funding. [3]U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — Large‑Scale Water Recycling Program (WaterSMART)[2]Las Vegas Review‑Journal — Bill aims to preserve funding for key solution to Co…

Who’s For It

• Bipartisan sponsors: Rep. Susie Lee (D‑NV) and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R‑AZ) say reauthorization is needed to keep conservation and recycling projects moving in Western states facing drought. [4]Office of Rep. Susie Lee — Lee, Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to B…
• Water‑reuse advocates: The WateReuse Association has publicly championed the underlying program and celebrated major awards, arguing recycling is becoming essential for communities. [5]WateReuse Association — WateReuse Association Congratulates Awardees of Reclama…
• Benefiting agencies: Projects like Pure Water Southern California (a Metropolitan Water District program co‑funded in part with Southern Nevada Water Authority) have received large grants and are cited by supporters as models. [6]Office of Rep. Susie Lee — Congresswoman Lee Announces Regional Water Recycling…

Who’s Against It

• As of November 21, 2025, no formal opposition statements to H.R. 6204 were publicly noted. However, some lawmakers have pushed to claw back unspent Infrastructure Law funds, a stance that could translate into skepticism about extending this program’s authority. [2]Las Vegas Review‑Journal — Bill aims to preserve funding for key solution to Co…

What’s Next

Status: Introduced November 20, 2025, and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. Next steps would be a committee hearing and markup, a House floor vote, then consideration in the Senate. [1]Congress.gov — Text — H.R. 6204 (119th): Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthoriz…

Sources for metrics: program design and funding from Reclamation; estimated sunset timing from coverage noting the current November 2026 expiration and the bill’s 10‑year extension. [3]U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — Large‑Scale Water Recycling Program (WaterSMART)[7]E&E Daily (hosted via Rep. Huffman’s site) — Western lawmakers want $550M for w…[2]Las Vegas Review‑Journal — Bill aims to preserve funding for key solution to Co…