Fischer touts Swanson, Hugh Butler bill in Senate

At a hearing Wednesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) pushed for her Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Conveyances Act, which would give Nebraskans more control over their communities by transferring reservoir land from the federal government to local counties. The hearing was held by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Water and Power Subcommittee. Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on a companion bill introduced by U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03).

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer/YouTube screenshot

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) voiced her support for the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Conveyances Act during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Water and Power Subcommittee hearing Wednesday.

The bill, which aims to transfer control of reservoir land from the federal government to local Nebraska counties, has received strong backing from local leaders and residents.

The proposed legislation would transfer management of the Bureau of Reclamation's Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County. The bill was introduced in response to requests from local residents and officials in both counties, who seek greater control over their communities and local economic interests. The U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on a companion bill introduced by Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) just a day prior.

“Swanson and Red Willow residents want to enjoy their local reservoirs while supporting small businesses," said Sen. Fischer. "This bill will ensure that local communities have the control they need to preserve their land and continue to thrive."

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), who emphasized the importance of empowering local leaders. “This bill is crucial for the communities surrounding the reservoirs. Our delegation has worked hard to protect homes, support local businesses, and provide a solution that serves the people.”

Rep. Smith echoed this sentiment, commending the progress made toward the bill’s passage. “After years of effort, these hearings represent a significant step toward ensuring local control and economic stability for the reservoir communities.”

The Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Conveyances Act continues to advance through both chambers of Congress, with broad support from Nebraska’s congressional delegation.