Bills · HR 6893
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6893Historic sites and heritage areasEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, research
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act
INTRO DEC 18· LAST ACTION SEP 15
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
7BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it ensures ongoing federal commitment and resources for the health of the Chesapeake Bay, one of the nation's most important estuaries. If it becomes law, it would modernize the approach to Bay restoration by directly addressing contemporary challenges like climate change and coastal hazards, which significantly impact the region's environment and communities. It also emphasizes the use of strong scientific review for projects, aiming to make restoration efforts more effective and taxpayer money well-spent.
Without this reauthorization, the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office's ability to coordinate efforts, conduct research, and implement educational programs could be hindered, potentially slowing down progress on Bay restoration. The bill's focus on education and integrated monitoring systems also means better information for decision-makers and increased public engagement, fostering a deeper understanding and stewardship of the Bay among future generations. It reinforces the federal government's role in a crucial multi-state environmental effort.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Reauthorizes and updates the mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office.
This ensures the continued operation and relevance of a key federal office dedicated to Chesapeake Bay protection and restoration.
PROVISION 02
Expands the office's focus areas to include coastal hazards, climate change, education, and integrated ecosystem assessments.
This broadens the scope of Bay restoration efforts to address pressing and evolving environmental challenges.
PROVISION 03
Requires all projects funded by the office to undergo appropriate peer review to ensure scientific and technical merit.
This aims to maximize the effectiveness of funding and resources by ensuring projects are based on sound science.
PROVISION 04
Supports an integrated observations system for the Chesapeake Bay, including the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System.
This enhances data collection and accessibility, providing critical information for managing marine resources and educating the public.
PROVISION 05
Establishes or expands a Chesapeake Bay watershed education and training program, including the ability to award grants.
This promotes environmental literacy and stewardship among students, teachers, and the public, fostering long-term protection of the Bay.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 7
D· Virginia
YRS IN OFFICE
33
BILLS LED
18
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 57%
DEM 5 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
35 EVENTSSEP 15
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SEP 14
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
SEP 14
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5584-5586)
SEP 14
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6893.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6893
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedDec 18, 2025
Last actionSep 15, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 18, 2025
House BillHR 6893Historic sites and heritage areasEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, research
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act
INTRODUCED DEC 18, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 15, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
9 min
COSPONSORS
7
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
