Congress·In Progress·H.R. 7129

Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

Water Power: Research and Development Update

6 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Congress Moves to Boost Hydropower and Marine Energy Research

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill would provide $300 million every year through 2030 to improve how we get energy from water. Most of the money ($200 million) goes toward marine energy, like waves and tides, while $100 million is for traditional hydropower like dams.
The plan focuses on making water power more reliable and secure. It includes new research into protecting power plants from cyberattacks and finding better ways to connect water energy to the national power grid so it can be used more easily.
It aims to help coastal and remote communities by developing small-scale power systems. These systems could help with things like turning salt water into drinking water, powering fish farms, and providing electricity during disaster recovery.
The bill also creates new training programs to help students and workers get jobs in the water power industry. It partners with colleges, trade schools, and maritime academies to teach the skills needed for the next generation of energy jobs.
Researchers will look for ways to make water power equipment last longer in tough conditions, such as very cold water or icy environments. They will also use advanced manufacturing, like 3D printing, to build parts more efficiently in the United States.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions

May 20, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

May 20, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jan 16, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Jan 16, 2026

Introduced in House

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

Bill NumberHR 7129

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)

R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.