H.R. 9497 Passed the House Water Resources Development

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6] Introduced June 29, 2026 Cosponsors 3 (1 R, 2 D) Latest action September 17, 2026

Summary

Water Resources Development Act of 2026
This bill authorizes and modifies certain water resource infrastructure projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and makes related requirements. For example, the bill authorizes and modifies various water resources feasibility studies and projects of the Corps of Engineers, such as studies or projects to
- maintain ports and harbors,
- make certain waterways more navigable,
- reduce flood and storm damage,
- restore aquatic ecosystems and protect fish and wildlife,
- protect shorelines,
- address harmful algal blooms,
- rehabilitate dams,
- manage recreational sites and facilities,
- support water supply and storage projects, and
- support other water resources infrastructure.
The bill also directs the Corps of Engineers to establish an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods in order to accelerate project delivery of infrastructure. 
In addition, the bill directs the Corps of Engineers to issue a rule that establishes categorical permissions for certain harbor or river improvements that will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. Sep 17, 2026 Received in the Senate.
  2. Sep 16, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 16, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 313). (text: CR H5850-5888)
  4. Sep 16, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 313).
  5. Sep 16, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5959-5960)
  6. Sep 16, 2026 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  7. Sep 16, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9497.
  8. Sep 16, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5850-5893)
  9. Sep 16, 2026 Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  10. Sep 3, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 695.
  11. Sep 3, 2026 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-795.
  12. Jul 14, 2026 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 66 - 0.

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