Analyst Brief March 18, 2026

H.R. 6422 — American Water Stewardship Act, as amended

Current Status

Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Executive Summary

This bill, titled the "American Water Stewardship Act," reauthorizes several key EPA geographic programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, extending their funding through fiscal year 2031. It also introduces amendments to program operations, such as revising funding mechanisms for the San Francisco Bay Restoration Program, expanding the National Estuary Program to include Mississippi Sound, and updating coastal water quality monitoring provisions. Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on the use of federal funds with entities from foreign countries of concern and mandates a comprehensive report from the Comptroller General on the efficiency and effectiveness of these EPA programs.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. STAUBER

Bill Number

H. R. 6422

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Ms. MCDONALD RIVET
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Ensures continued federal investment in critical environmental protection and restoration efforts across major U.S. water bodies, providing stability for long-term projects.
  • Streamlines and clarifies funding mechanisms for programs like the San Francisco Bay Restoration, potentially improving efficiency and accountability in grant distribution.
  • Expands the scope of the National Estuary Program to include Mississippi Sound, addressing a significant ecological area and potentially garnering support from Gulf Coast stakeholders.
  • Introduces a measure to prevent federal funds from supporting entities tied to 'foreign countries of concern,' aligning with national security and economic protection priorities.

Likely Supporters

Environmental advocacy groupsState and local governments in affected geographic regions (e.g., Great Lakes states, California, Gulf Coast states)Water quality and conservation organizationsInfrastructure and transportation committees

Arguments Against

  • The reauthorization of existing programs without significant new reforms could be criticized as maintaining the status quo without addressing underlying inefficiencies or achieving new outcomes.
  • The ineligibility clause for Mississippi Sound in the National Estuary Program (Sec. 6(b)) could create political friction if the specified funding thresholds are not met, potentially delaying critical work.
  • Restrictions on funding for entities from 'foreign countries of concern' might inadvertently limit collaboration on scientific research or project implementation with international partners, depending on the definition's breadth.
  • The mandated Comptroller General report, while promoting accountability, could highlight program shortcomings, potentially leading to future budget cuts or contentious debates over program effectiveness.

Likely Opponents

Fiscal conservatives concerned about federal spending levelsGroups advocating for broader international scientific collaboration (if impacted by foreign country of concern clause)

📋 Key Provisions

  • Reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Long Island Sound program, and Columbia River Basin Restoration program through fiscal year 2031.
  • Amends the San Francisco Bay Restoration Program to change its heading, revise funding mechanisms, set a maximum Federal share of 75% for projects, and require a 25% non-Federal match for non-Federal entities.
  • Expands the National Estuary Program to include Mississippi Sound, Mississippi, and reauthorizes it through fiscal year 2031, with specific funding conditions for Mississippi Sound's eligibility in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
  • Updates the Coastal Recreation Water Quality Monitoring and Notification program, including new data requirements for grants, reauthorization of appropriations through fiscal year 2031, and a broader definition of 'coastal recreation waters'.
  • Prohibits Federal funds for fiscal years 2026-2031 from being provided to non-Federal entities domiciled in or conducting projects with a 'foreign country of concern'.
  • Mandates a Comptroller General report within two years on EPA geographic programs, evaluating their management, progress, obstacles, coordination, and ethics, and defines the specific programs to be evaluated.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 10

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative reauthorized through fiscal year 2031.

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"each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 17

San Francisco Bay Restoration Program projects have a maximum Federal share of 75%.

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"equal to 75 percent of the total cost"

Claim Analysis Page 5, Line 4

National Estuary Program now includes Mississippi Sound.

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"Mississippi Sound, Mississippi"

Claim Analysis Page 7, Line 6

Coastal Recreation Water Quality Monitoring appropriations reauthorized through 2031.

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"2026 through 2031"

Claim Analysis Page 8, Line 8

Funds cannot be provided to entities from a 'foreign country of concern'.

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"foreign country of concern"