Rep. Tlaib Introduces Bill to Provide $20 Billion Yearly for Low-Income Water Bill Assistance
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by several House committees. It was recently introduced and is actively moving through the initial committee review phase. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
While water affordability is a major issue, the 20 billion dollar annual cost is very high and the bill currently lacks the bipartisan support needed to pass a divided Congress.
Privately owned water utilities cannot use any program funds to increase dividends, returns on capital, or interest payments to their owners. While they can participate in the program, these restrictions limit the financial upside for business owners in the water utility sector.
“A community water system or treatment works that is not wholly owned by a governmental entity may not use any funds received under or pursuant to this section to provide any financial benefits to the owners”
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, 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.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced H.R. 8254, the 'Water Access and Affordability Act,' which would establish a $20 billion annual program at the EPA. The bill would prohibit community water systems from carrying out service disconnections or charging late fees for households enrolled in the program.
The Water Access and Affordability Act authorizes $20 billion annually over 10 years to help poor households pay water bills. The legislation stipulates that federal funds will 'supplement or enhance' existing programs and prevents utilities from replacing current assistance with federal money.
The 'H2O UP Act' would appropriate $20 billion in federal funding annually to establish a new low-income drinking water assistance program. The program is designed to provide financial assistance for bills and technical help for community-based water systems to prevent shutoffs.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Water Access and Affordability Act
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