Rep. Tlaib Introduces Bill to Provide $20 Billion Yearly for Low-Income Water Bill Assistance
This bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and is currently sitting with four different House committees for review. Since April 12, 2026, no further action has been taken, and it is common for bills to stall at this stage without receiving a committee vote. The bill must be reviewed by these committees before it can move forward to the full House.
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.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
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.
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.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Water Access and Affordability Act
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