AWRC Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7889
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-20T14:34:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 (AWRC Act of 2025), H.R. 7889, reauthorizes and updates the water resources research and technology institutes program under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. It aims to support research on water issues, including those involving interstate challenges and emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Provisions
- Updated Purpose Statement: Adds "including the growing artificial intelligence industry" to the Act's declaration of purpose, emphasizing collaboration with private industry on water-related innovations.
- Funding Authorization (Section 104(f)):
- Authorizes $16 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to support the institutes program.
- Unobligated funds from prior years remain available.
- Additional Research Funds (Section 104(g)):
- Allocates 20% of annual funds specifically for research on:
- Regional or interstate water problems (beyond single-state issues).
- Priorities set jointly by the Secretary (of the Interior) and institutes.
- Interstate water issues identified by Congress.
- Provides federal cost-sharing for these funds.
- Includes competitive grants for research projects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Extends Authorization: Replaces prior funding levels (ending in 2025) with new $16 million annual appropriations through 2029.
- Restructures Funding Allocation: Mandates 20% of funds for interstate-focused research, with clearer definitions and competitive grant processes.
- Modernizes Scope: Explicitly includes AI industry collaboration, expanding beyond traditional private sector involvement.
- Technical Fixes: Corrects references and reorganizes subsections for clarity (e.g., renumbering paragraphs).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases funding for the Department of the Interior to administer grants and coordinate with institutes, potentially boosting research output on critical water challenges like droughts or contamination.
- Citizens and Regions: Enhances research on interstate water issues, benefiting areas facing shared problems (e.g., river basins), leading to better management and innovation.
- No Direct International Effects: Focuses on domestic U.S. water research.
Main Stakeholders
- Water Research Institutes: At universities and institutions, receiving primary funding and grants.
- Federal Government: Department of the Interior (Secretary's role in priorities and administration).
- Private Sector: Including AI companies, for collaborative research.
- States and Regions: Affected by interstate water research outcomes.
- Congress: Identifies priority issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Straightforward Reauthorization: Builds on existing law without major new powers or mandates, minimizing legal challenges.
- Fiscal Commitment: Locks in multi-year funding, signaling bipartisan support for water research amid climate and tech pressures.
- No Constitutional Issues: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I; promotes interstate cooperation without overriding state authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (4 pages)