Expressing support for the designation of the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, as "National Water Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 274
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-01T18:27:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 274) expresses the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, as "National Water Week." It aims to raise awareness about critical water challenges in the United States, including access to clean water, infrastructure needs, and public health protection.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Water Access Issues: Acknowledges that all U.S. communities, including urban, rural, and Tribal areas, should have affordable, safe, and clean drinking water, sanitation, and water infrastructure. It notes that over 2 million people lack basic running water, indoor plumbing, or wastewater services.
- Challenges for Small and Disadvantaged Communities: Highlights struggles of small, rural, and low-income water systems to invest in upgrades while keeping costs low for residents.
- Role of Federal Support: Emphasizes how federal funding for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, desalination, and recycling programs helps local utilities meet regulations and improve reliability.
- Emerging Contaminants and Source Control: Stresses the importance of preventing contaminants from entering water systems and advancing research on their health risks to protect public health.
- Sector-Specific Considerations: Recognizes that water projects depend on specific materials and technologies, requiring tailored approaches to address supply chain and implementation challenges.
- Importance of Water Research: Outlines how research addresses key issues like aging infrastructure, contaminants, weather resilience, drought, water scarcity, and population changes. It promotes research for cost-effective solutions that build resilient systems, create jobs, improve health, and ensure equity.
- Call for Government Assistance: Urges Congress and the executive branch to help water utilities manage aging infrastructure, rising costs, supply disruptions, workforce shortages, water quality issues (including new regulations on contaminants), and climate adaptation for security and resilience.
- Resolution Clause: Formally states the House's support for "National Water Week" to spotlight these issues and encourage action.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage federal agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency) to prioritize water-related funding and programs, potentially influencing budget discussions without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of water access disparities, which could lead to increased community advocacy for local improvements in water quality and affordability, especially in underserved areas.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. water issues.
- Broader Effects: Could foster economic growth through job creation in water research and infrastructure, while promoting equitable solutions for public health and environmental protection.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Communities and Residents: Particularly small, rural, Tribal, and disadvantaged groups facing water access and affordability challenges.
- Water Utilities and Local Governments: Benefit from highlighted needs for federal support in infrastructure upgrades, research, and regulatory compliance.
- Federal Government and Policymakers: Congress and executive agencies are called upon to address water sector issues.
- Researchers and Businesses: Involved in water technology, innovation, and supply chains, with opportunities for job growth and equitable solutions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature. It cannot create obligations or allocate funds.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy priorities under Article I, but it does not infringe on states' rights or executive powers related to water management.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives from different parties) for water infrastructure investment, potentially building momentum for future legislation like funding bills. It underscores equity and public health as non-partisan priorities without engaging in partisan debate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-03-31: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-31: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, as "National Water Week". — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (3 pages)