PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Sep 3, 2026
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.
People & committees
Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6] · R–MO
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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)
House roll call 313 · Individual votesPassed/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).
House roll call 313 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5959-5960)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9497.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5850-5893)
Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 695.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-795.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-795.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 66 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Discharged
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Sep 29, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.9497 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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