Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7397
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:09:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act (H.R. 7397) aims to improve the resilience of Puerto Rico's water and wastewater systems by requiring a detailed evaluation of their current state and future needs. It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and modernization requirements to better withstand natural disasters, droughts, and system breakdowns.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act."
- Assessment Requirement: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of the Army—acting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—must conduct a comprehensive assessment of Puerto Rico's water and wastewater infrastructure. This involves consulting with the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) and other relevant local and federal agencies.
- Report to Congress: Following the assessment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress detailing:
- The current condition and vulnerabilities of Puerto Rico's water infrastructure.
- The status of ongoing and planned projects authorized under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (a law that funds environmental infrastructure projects), including any delays or gaps.
- Modernization needs to enhance resilience against future threats like natural disasters, droughts, and failures.
- Recommendations for better coordination among federal and local agencies to speed up project implementation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, targeted mandate for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess and report on Puerto Rico's water infrastructure, which was not previously required under existing laws. It builds on the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 by referencing its Section 219 projects but adds a specific focus on Puerto Rico's unique needs, including post-disaster recovery elements. No direct amendments to prior laws are made; instead, it creates an additional reporting obligation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and PRASA will face new coordination and assessment duties, potentially leading to faster project approvals and funding allocations for infrastructure upgrades. Congress may use the report to authorize future investments.
- On Citizens: Puerto Rico residents could benefit from more reliable water and wastewater services, reducing risks from outages during hurricanes or droughts and improving public health and daily life.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this is a domestic territorial matter, though it underscores U.S. commitment to its territories, which could indirectly support regional stability in the Caribbean.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Puerto Rico Residents and Local Government: Primary beneficiaries through improved infrastructure resilience.
- Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA): Key partner in the assessment, responsible for local water management.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Leads the assessment and report, drawing on its expertise in infrastructure projects.
- Federal Agencies and Congress: Involved in consultations and receiving the report, influencing future policy and funding decisions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a clear timeline (180 days) for action, enforceable through congressional oversight, but lacks funding provisions, relying on existing agency resources. It promotes inter-agency collaboration without creating new regulatory burdens.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Territory Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to govern U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, ensuring equitable federal support.
- Political: Highlights ongoing attention to Puerto Rico's recovery needs (e.g., after hurricanes like Maria in 2017), potentially fostering bipartisan support for territorial aid but raising questions about resource allocation amid competing national priorities. No major controversies are evident in the bill's text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)