AWRC Act of 2025
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 7889, the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 (AWRC Act of 2025), would amend the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize and update the federal program supporting state water resources research and technology institutes. It authorizes $16,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to fund these institutes' work. The bill also updates the law's statement of purpose to note the value of collaboration with private industry, specifically adding a reference to the "growing artificial intelligence industry." Additionally, it makes technical and organizational changes to how research funds are allocated, including clarifying that up to 20 percent of authorized funds may be directed toward research on water problems of a regional or interstate nature, versus issues affecting only a single state.
The bill primarily affects the network of university-based water resources research institutes that receive federal support, as well as the U.S. Department of the Interior (which administers the program), state governments, and researchers working on water-related issues. By extending authorized funding through 2029 and broadening the stated purpose to include emerging technology sectors, the bill could influence future federal appropriations decisions and the framing of research priorities, though it does not itself guarantee specific funding levels beyond setting an authorization ceiling.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) and passed the House on September 14, 2026, by voice vote under a suspension of the rules, indicating broad, non-controversial support. It now moves to the Senate, which must pass it—potentially with amendments—before it could be sent to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 or the AWRC Act of 2025
This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and modifies the Water Resources Research Act Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Under the program, USGS provides grants for Water Resources Research Institutes that are in each of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Among other activities, the institutes plan and conduct research to improve water supply reliability and address water problems.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
15 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7889 do?
- H.R. 7889, the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 (AWRC Act of 2025), would amend the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize and update the federal program supporting state water resources research and technology institutes. It authorizes $16,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to fund these institutes' work. The bill also updates the law's statement of purpose to note the value of collaboration with private industry, specifically adding a reference to the "growing artificial intelligence industry." Additionally, it makes technical and organizational changes to how research funds are allocated, including clarifying that up to 20 percent of authorized funds may be directed toward research on water problems of a regional or interstate nature, versus issues affecting only a single state. The bill primarily affects the network of university-based water resources research institutes that receive federal support, as well as the U.S. Department of the Interior (which administers the program), state governments, and researchers working on water-related issues. By extending authorized funding through 2029 and broadening the stated purpose to include emerging technology sectors, the bill could influence future federal appropriations decisions and the framing of research priorities, though it does not itself guarantee specific funding levels beyond setting an authorization ceiling. The bill was introduced by Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) and passed the House on September 14, 2026, by voice vote under a suspension of the rules, indicating broad, non-controversial support. It now moves to the Senate, which must pass it—potentially with amendments—before it could be sent to the President for signature into law.
- Has H.R. 7889 become law?
- Not yet. As of 14 Sep 2026, H.R. 7889 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 7889?
- H.R. 7889 was sponsored by Rep. Robert Wittman [R-VA1] (Republican-VA), with 10 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7889?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (14 Sep 2026).
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