House BillHR 3962State and local government operationsIntergovernmental relations
ESTUARIES Act
INTRO JUN 12· LAST ACTION DEC 16
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
26BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because healthy estuaries are critical for the environment, local economies, and public well-being. These areas serve as nurseries for fish, provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and protect coastlines from storms. Extending the National Estuary Program ensures that ongoing efforts to preserve and restore these areas can continue, which is vital for fisheries, tourism, and overall environmental health.
If this bill becomes law, it provides stability for current estuary protection projects and extends crucial support to the Mississippi Sound, an area facing its own environmental challenges. If it doesn't pass, the program's funding authorization would expire in 2026, potentially halting or delaying important conservation work across the country and preventing the Mississippi Sound from receiving dedicated federal assistance under this program.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Extends the National Estuary Program's authorization to continue operating and receiving federal funds until 2031.
This ensures the long-term stability and continued operation of a federal program dedicated to protecting and restoring vital coastal ecosystems.
PROVISION 02
Adds the Mississippi Sound in Mississippi as an eligible estuary for the National Estuary Program.
This allows a new, specific estuarine system to receive federal resources and support for its conservation and management needs.
PROVISION 03
Prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from using National Estuary Program funds for the Mississippi Sound in fiscal year 2025.
This creates a temporary funding restriction for the newly added estuary, delaying its access to program resources.
PROVISION 04
Restricts the use of National Estuary Program funds for the Mississippi Sound in fiscal year 2026 unless the total program appropriation increases by at least $850,000 over 2024 levels.
This links funding for the new addition to overall program growth, potentially limiting its initial impact if the program's budget doesn't significantly increase.
Voters should care about this bill because healthy estuaries are critical for the environment, local economies, and public well-being. These areas serve as nurseries for fish, provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and protect coastlines from storms. Extending the National Estuary Program ensures that ongoing efforts to preserve and restore these areas can continue, which is vital for fisheries, tourism, and overall environmental health.
If this bill becomes law, it provides stability for current estuary protection projects and extends crucial support to the Mississippi Sound, an area facing its own environmental challenges. If it doesn't pass, the program's funding authorization would expire in 2026, potentially halting or delaying important conservation work across the country and preventing the Mississippi Sound from receiving dedicated federal assistance under this program.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Extends the National Estuary Program's authorization to continue operating and receiving federal funds until 2031.
This ensures the long-term stability and continued operation of a federal program dedicated to protecting and restoring vital coastal ecosystems.
high
Adds the Mississippi Sound in Mississippi as an eligible estuary for the National Estuary Program.
This allows a new, specific estuarine system to receive federal resources and support for its conservation and management needs.
med
Prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from using National Estuary Program funds for the Mississippi Sound in fiscal year 2025.
This creates a temporary funding restriction for the newly added estuary, delaying its access to program resources.
med
Restricts the use of National Estuary Program funds for the Mississippi Sound in fiscal year 2026 unless the total program appropriation increases by at least $850,000 over 2024 levels.
This links funding for the new addition to overall program growth, potentially limiting its initial impact if the program's budget doesn't significantly increase.
Original authorization for the National Estuary Program expires
2031
New authorization for the National Estuary Program expires
Fiscal Year 2025
Ineligibility for Mississippi Sound funding from National Estuary Program appropriations
Fiscal Year 2026
Conditional ineligibility for Mississippi Sound funding from National Estuary Program appropriations
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Estuary
A partially enclosed coastal body of water where fresh water from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. Estuaries are often highly productive ecosystems.
Reauthorize
To officially extend the legal authority or approval for a program or agency to continue operating and receiving funds beyond its original expiration date.
Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Also known as the Clean Water Act, this is a major U.S. law that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation's waters and sets quality standards for surface waters.
National Estuary Program
A program managed by the Environmental Protection Agency that works to protect and restore the health of estuaries across the United States.
Management Conference
A group of stakeholders (including federal, state, and local governments, businesses, and citizens) convened to develop a plan for managing a specific estuary.
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
A detailed strategy developed for an estuary to address environmental problems and achieve conservation goals, typically created by a management conference.
Fiscal Year
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTS
DEC 16, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 15, 25
Mr. Johnson (SD) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
FLOOR
DEC 15, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5872-5873)
FLOOR
DEC 15, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3962.
A 12-month period used by governments and businesses for budgeting, accounting, and reporting purposes. In the U.S. federal government, it runs from October 1 to September 30.
