Bill blocks federal agencies from tying permits to water rights transfers
Water Rights Protection Act
The Water Rights Protection Act has been approved by its committees and is now waiting for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill has been stalled with no new actions taken since November 2025. Because House leadership decides which bills get a vote, it is unclear when or if this bill will move forward.
No action since November 2025
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Reintroduced
Reintroduced from H.R. 7544 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 7544 (118th) →How this policy affects specific groups of people
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 334.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-384, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-384, Part I.
EPA proposed a narrower WOTUS rule that shifts more control to states over wetlands and waterways—context relevant to bills like the Water Rights Protection Act that limit federal leverage over water rights on public lands.
A new WOTUS proposal would curtail federal jurisdiction over wetlands, highlighting ongoing federal–state tensions over water regulation that the Water Rights Protection Act seeks to address on federal lands.
An Idaho settlement over Snake River Plain aquifer disputes protects many farmers’ rights—illustrating active state-level adjudication that federal agencies must respect under proposals like the Water Rights Protection Act.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Water Rights Protection Act
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