On September 16, The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497), by a vote of 415-9. The bill now moves to the Senate, which is considering its own reauthorization measure for US Army Corps of Engineers programs, S. 4949. The Senate measure is currently awaiting a floor vote, after advancing through committee in July.
Both bills would authorize similar Corps of Engineers construction projects, but they differ in the approach to changing the agency’s project review and approval process. Differences include how much input non-federal entities, such as local governments and water agencies, have in project development. The Senate bill would also reauthorize wastewater and drinking water infrastructure programs, which are not included in the House version. These programs support water system upgrades that rural counties rely on for compliance with federal water quality standards. The two chambers will need to reconcile differences between the bills before final legislation is sent to the President for consideration.
For additional information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Eric Will.