CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · S. 4252· Senate(119-S-4252)

WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act of 2026

A bill to amend the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act to ensure that economic assistance payments under that Act continue until the closure of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and for other purposes.

Rep. Heinrich
Age: 55 years
New Mexico
Introduced
3/26/2026
Last activity
9/30/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Sponsored by
Martin Heinrich
Cosponsors
Democrat - 0Republican - 1
Public Lands and Natural Resources
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act. The primary purpose is to ensure that economic assistance payments continue beyond the original timeframe. These payments will now persist through the fiscal year in which transuranic waste shipments to or from WIPP have been terminated. This change effectively removes the specific 14-year limit previously established.

Yes· 3 of 4

  • Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5

    The bill secures long-term economic assistance for the community hosting the WIPP facility.

  • Does this invest in rural communities?+5

    The bill ensures continued economic assistance to the region hosting the WIPP facility for as long as waste shipments occur.

  • Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3

    The extended economic assistance payments provide continued fiscal support to the local economy.

The opposite

  • Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2

    The bill extends the duration of mandatory economic assistance payments, increasing long-term federal outlays.