Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3427
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Environmental Protection
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-09-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T01:08:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act (H.R. 3427) aims to evaluate and improve the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) programs that provide technical help for clean water infrastructure. It requires an independent review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—an agency that audits federal programs—to assess how these programs work, identify overlaps or gaps, and recommend enhancements. The goal is to ensure these programs effectively support communities, especially those facing economic challenges, in managing water quality and infrastructure.

Key Provisions

GAO Review Initiation: Within one year of the law's enactment, the Comptroller General (head of the GAO) must begin a comprehensive review of all "covered technical assistance" programs run by the EPA. These are defined as any EPA initiatives, authorities, or programs offering technical support related to clean water infrastructure (e.g., guidance on building or upgrading water treatment systems).
Review Requirements: The GAO must examine:
A description of technical assistance available to states, Tribes (federally recognized Native American groups), local governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the regions and populations served, and activities conducted in the five years before the law.
Details on the EPA's Water Technical Assistance initiative (WaterTA), covering how it selects and partners with providers, including criteria for choosing them, coordination with state/Tribal/regional partners, matching providers to community needs (e.g., through consultations), outreach to distressed areas, types of assistance provided, and a list of served communities with costs, types of help, and outcomes.
An analysis of any overlapping or duplicated technical assistance across multiple EPA programs.
How these programs help build community capacity to access other EPA water infrastructure funding (e.g., grants for projects).
Unmet needs in economically distressed communities eligible for clean water programs.
Coordination between the EPA and other federal agencies offering similar water-related technical help.
Support for communities in adopting alternative, cost-effective technologies for water treatment that save money and improve long-term water quality.
Report Submission: After completing the review, the GAO must send a report with findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
EPA Compliance Plans: Within 90 days of receiving the GAO report, and annually for five years, the EPA Administrator must submit plans to the same congressional committees detailing actions taken to implement the recommendations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces new oversight requirements without altering current EPA programs directly. It mandates the first comprehensive GAO review of clean water technical assistance, including the WaterTA initiative, and establishes ongoing EPA reporting on improvements. Previously, such programs operated without this level of formalized, independent evaluation or required follow-up plans, potentially leading to less structured accountability.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The EPA will face increased scrutiny and must dedicate resources to reviewing and implementing recommendations, which could streamline operations and reduce program overlaps. The GAO gains a specific new mandate, enhancing its role in environmental oversight. Other federal agencies may need to improve coordination on water assistance.
On Citizens: Economically distressed or underserved communities (e.g., rural or low-income areas) could benefit from more targeted technical help, better access to funding, and innovative, affordable water solutions, potentially improving local water quality and public health. States, Tribes, and local governments may receive clearer guidance on navigating EPA programs.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is domestic clean water infrastructure; however, improved U.S. water management could indirectly support global environmental commitments.

Main Stakeholders Affected

EPA and GAO: Primary implementers and reviewers, respectively, with direct responsibilities for the review and compliance.
States, Tribes, Local Governments, and NGOs: Recipients of technical assistance, who may see enhanced support and capacity-building.
Economically Distressed Communities: Key beneficiaries, as the review targets gaps in help for water infrastructure needs.
Congressional Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Environment and Public Works, which receive reports and oversee implementation.
Technical Assistance Providers: Organizations partnered with the EPA, subject to evaluation of selection and performance.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal Implications: Strengthens administrative accountability under existing federal environmental laws (e.g., Clean Water Act) by requiring transparency in program delivery without creating new enforcement powers. The GAO's role aligns with its statutory auditing authority (31 U.S.C. § 702), ensuring the review is non-partisan and evidence-based.
Constitutional Implications: None significant; it respects separation of powers by having Congress direct an independent audit of the executive branch (EPA) without infringing on agency discretion.
Political Implications: Promotes bipartisan oversight of environmental funding, potentially reducing waste in water programs amid debates over infrastructure spending. It could influence future appropriations by highlighting efficiencies or needs, but emphasizes neutrality through GAO's objective analysis.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

Recent Actions

2025-09-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
2025-09-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-09-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4277)
2025-09-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4277: 1)
2025-09-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3427.
2025-09-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4277)
2025-09-15: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 231.
2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-275.
2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-275.
2025-06-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 61 - 3.
2025-06-11: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Discharged
2025-06-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-05-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Bill Versions

Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (6 pages)
Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (5 pages)
Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act — issued 2025-09-16 — PDF (5 pages)
Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (8 pages)