; but (ii) shall retain responsibility for making the independent determinations described in subparagraph (C). (F) Funding (i) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $260,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (ii) Congressional approval initially required (I) In general Each initial award under this paragraph for design and study or for construction of an eligible desalination project shall be approved by an Act of Congress. (II) Reclamation recommendations The Commissioner of Reclamation shall submit recommendations regarding the initial award of preconstruction and construction funding for consideration under subclause (I) to— (aa) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (bb) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (cc) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (dd) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (iii) Subsequent funding awards After approval by Congress of an initial award of preconstruction or construction funding for an eligible desalination project under clause (ii), the Commissioner of Reclamation may award additional preconstruction or construction funding, respectively, for the eligible desalination project without further congressional approval. . 3. Prioritization for projects Section 4 of the Water Desalination Act of 1996 ( 42 U.S.C. 10301 note; Public Law 104–298 ) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Prioritization In carrying out demonstration and development activities under this section, the Secretary and the Commissioner of Reclamation shall each prioritize projects— (1) for the benefit of drought-stricken States and communities; (2) for the benefit of States that have authorized funding for research and development of desalination technologies and projects