Bruce Westerman: “H.R. 131, the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, facilitates the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, or…”

“H.R. 131, the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, facilitates the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit, or AVC, by easing the repayment requirements for project beneficiaries. The AVC is designed to provide potable water from Pueblo Reservoir to 39 communities in southeastern Colorado, many of which are dependent on groundwater supplies that contain unacceptable levels of naturally-occurring heavy metals and radionuclides. According to the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, 18 of those communities are currently failing to meet Federal drinking water standards due to these contaminants. H.R. 131 passed the House Committee on Natural Resources and then the House of Representatives in July 2025. However, President Trump has returned H.R. 131 to the House without his approval. I respect the administration's views on this legislation and its commitment to fiscal responsibility. President Trump's record demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing unleashing abundant water supplies across the West. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”