3 versions

RefinementWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN HOUSEcompared with REPORTED IN HOUSE (Sep 15, 2025)

A small clarification was made to the availability of interest earned on the Non-Federal Funding Account. v3 specifies that the expenditure of interest amounts is "subject to appropriation of amounts derived from such interest," tightening the language from v2's "subject to the availability of appropriations." The bill's core purpose remains unchanged.

H.R. 831119th CongressIntroduced Jan 31, 2025

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 17, 2026

Bottom line

This bill creates a dedicated, interest-earning federal account for state contributions to a major Colorado River conservation program, aiming to enhance funding stability and growth.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to establish a new interest-bearing account within the U.S. Treasury for non-Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. It mandates the deposit of both previously unexpended and future state contributions into this fund, allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to invest these amounts in interest-bearing U.S. obligations. The principal funds are available without further appropriation, while interest earnings are subject to appropriation.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that establishing an interest-bearing account ensures that non-Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program can grow over time, providing a more stable and robust funding source for critical conservation efforts. This mechanism protects and maximizes the value of state investments, reducing future funding pressures and ensuring the long-term viability of the program.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue that while seemingly beneficial, centralizing state funds in a federal interest-bearing account could reduce the direct control and flexibility states have over their contributions. They might also raise concerns about the administrative overhead of managing such a fund within the Treasury, or the potential for interest earnings to be subject to federal appropriation processes, which could introduce delays or uncertainties in funding availability.

The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.

Section 2, amending Section 9402 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009

Establishment of Interest-Bearing Account for Non-Federal Contributions

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision creates a new fund in the U.S. Treasury specifically for money contributed by states to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. It requires that all unspent state contributions made before the bill's enactment, and all future state contributions, be deposited into this fund. The Secretary of the Treasury can invest these funds in interest-bearing U.S. obligations, and the principal amounts are available for expenditure without further appropriation, while interest earnings are subject to appropriation.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState Parties (e.g., Arizona, California, Nevada)ImpactIncreased financial stability and growth for their conservation contributions.MechanismInterest earned on deposited funds.ScalePotentially significant over the long term, depending on contribution amounts and interest rates.

GroupLower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation ProgramImpactEnhanced funding resources for conservation activities.MechanismDirect access to principal funds and appropriated interest.ScalePositive impact on program longevity and scope.

GroupFederal Government (Treasury, Secretary)ImpactAdministrative responsibility for managing the fund and investments.MechanismMandate to establish and manage the fund.ScaleMinor administrative burden.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision ensures the long-term financial health of the critical Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program by allowing non-Federal contributions to generate additional revenue through investment, thereby maximizing the impact of state funds and reducing reliance on future direct appropriations.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that while the intent is good, requiring interest earnings to be subject to appropriation (unlike the principal) could introduce bureaucratic hurdles and delays in accessing the full benefits of the fund, potentially undermining the efficiency and responsiveness of the conservation program.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire for increased funding for conservation through investment with the federal government's oversight role, particularly by making interest earnings subject to appropriation, which introduces a layer of federal control over funds primarily contributed by states.

FOUND

While the principal non-Federal contributions deposited into the Fund are available to the Secretary 'without further appropriation,' amounts derived from interest earned on these investments are made available 'subject to appropriation of amounts derived from such interest.'

Section 2, subsection (c)(3)(B)(ii)

Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for federal funds, ensuring congressional oversight over how interest generated on federal accounts is spent, even if the principal originates from non-federal sources. It's not necessarily evasive but a common budgetary control.

Case for: Proponents would argue that requiring appropriation for interest earnings maintains appropriate federal oversight and ensures that these funds are spent in alignment with broader federal budgetary priorities, even if they are generated from non-federal contributions.

Case against: Critics might argue that this requirement introduces an unnecessary bureaucratic step and potential delays, as the interest is generated from state-contributed funds for a specific program, and subjecting it to annual appropriation could hinder the program's ability to quickly utilize all available resources.

Estimated impact: This could lead to delays in the program accessing and utilizing the full financial benefits of the interest earned, potentially impacting the timing and scope of conservation projects.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.