House legislation from Rep. Schweikert targets more balanced Colorado River water sharing in shortages

A bill introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. David Schweikert seeks to establish a fairer approach to Colorado River water distribution among lower basin states when supplies are short, the U.S. Congress reports.

H.R.7078 was unveiled on Jan. 14, 2026 amid the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following summary is based on the official text of the bill, with added explanations to clarify key sections.

The bill amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act to require equitable sharing of Colorado River water among the lower basin states—Arizona, California, and Nevada—during times of shortfall. It mandates that, should there be a decrease in mainstream Colorado River water for the Central Arizona Project, the Secretary will assess and determine the shortage’s magnitude. All consumptive water diversions in these states would then be cut back proportionally based on annual apportionments, setting aside claims of perfected rights. This is intended to foster more balanced allocation of water resources when shortages occur, directly addressing persistent water scarcity in the region.

Rep. David Schweikert (Republican-AZ-1st District) is the sole sponsor of this bill.

Since the current legislative session began, Rep. Schweikert has introduced a total of 18 additional bills.

Congressional bills are introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate, with the exception of bills related to revenue, which originate exclusively in the House. After introduction, legislation is reviewed by committees and subjected to hearings, possible amendments, and debate before potential floor votes in each chamber. If both chambers give identical approval, the bill advances to the president for signature or veto. Congressional terms last two years, numbered in sequence and split into two one-year sessions. The lawmaking process, along with bill records, is documented by Congress and published through Congress.gov.

David Schweikert has represented Arizona as a member of Congress since Jan. 3, 2011, after his initial election to the One Hundred Twelfth Congress and seven subsequent terms. His political experience also includes legislative service in the Arizona state house from 1989 to 1994, membership on the Arizona state board of equalization from 1995 to 2003, and a term as Maricopa County treasurer from 2004 to 2006.

His education includes a 1980 graduation from Saguaro High School, an A.A. from Scottsdale Community College in 1985, a B.S. from Arizona State University in 1988, and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University completed in 2005.

Information for this article comes from the U.S. Congress. Access the source data here.