Congress reauthorizes USGS water research institutes and adds AI industry coordination through fiscal 2029

Original title: AWRC Act of 2025

Last action · September 15, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.Sponsors: Robert Wittman and 10 others

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What This Bill Would Do

The Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 reauthorizes the U.S. Geological Survey water resources research and technology institutes program through 2029, authorizing $16 million annually and incorporating the artificial intelligence industry into water research coordination.

Why it matters

The measure establishes a dedicated federal funding stream of up to $16 million per year through 2029 for 54 water research institutes across all states and territories, while targeting up to 20 percent of those funds toward interstate and regional water challenges.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Water Resources Research Institutes

Institutes receive continued federal authorization and funding of up to $16,000,000 annually through fiscal year 2029.

Directly affected

artificial intelligence industry

The industry is added to the congressional declaration of purpose regarding water resources research and technology collaboration.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the AWRC Act do for water research funding?

It reauthorizes the water resources research and technology institutes program, authorizing $16,000,000 for each from 2026 through 2029.

How is the artificial intelligence industry involved in this legislation?

The bill amends Section 103(4) of the to include the growing artificial intelligence industry in congressional declarations of purpose.

Are there limits on funds used for interstate water problems?

Yes, not more than 20 percent of the authorized annual amounts can be used for additional research focused on water problems of an interstate nature.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.

Procedural history

16 actions

Sep 15, 2026SenateCommittee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sep 14, 2026House
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Sep 14, 2026HouseFloor
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5575)
Sep 14, 2026HouseFloor
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Sep 14, 2026House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7889.
Sep 14, 2026House
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5575-5576)

Show 10 earlier actions

Sep 14, 2026House
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Aug 20, 2026House
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 665.
Aug 20, 2026HouseCommittee
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-764.
Jul 15, 2026HouseCommittee
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Jul 15, 2026House
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jul 15, 2026House
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Mar 26, 2026House
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Mar 19, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Mar 9, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Mar 9, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced in House

Version history

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