NAM-Backed Water Bills Advance in Congress

NAM News Room July 16, 2026

Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved water infrastructure bills that will support manufacturing supply chains and operations (POLITICO, subscription).

  • The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 “represents an important investment in America’s long-term economic competitiveness through improvements to navigation infrastructure, flood risk management and project delivery,” the NAM told the House committee ahead of its markup.
  • The NAM has been urging policymakers to undertake key infrastructure and permitting reform measures, including water infrastructure improvements, through its influential “Building to Win” campaign.

State of play: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved its version of the bill on Wednesday, one day after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted in favor of companion legislation. The NAM will continue to engage lawmakers as the two bills are reconciled and advanced.

What’s in it: The bills support Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects, including major improvements for dams and ports.

  • Both bills strengthen America’s water infrastructure through Corps projects and studies that support navigation, flood resilience and ecosystem restoration.
  • The Senate legislation also includes EPA provisions including reauthorizing the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which help communities invest in modern water systems, as well as major ecosystem restoration projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

NAM in the news: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee spotlighted the NAM’s support for the bill in its press release, while the Washington Times also covered the bill and the NAM’s support.

The NAM says: “Manufacturers strongly support Senate and House action to advance their respective WRDA bills. The biennial reauthorization of this legislation provides certainty and support to manufacturers investing in their communities across the country,” said NAM Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Kirbie Ferrell.

  • “We thank Chairs Shelley Moore Capito and Sam Graves and Ranking Members Sheldon Whitehouse and Rick Larsen for their leadership. The NAM looks forward to continuing to work with legislators to ensure a final bill delivers for manufacturers in America.”