Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act
This bill reauthorizes federal funding for water power research and development (including hydropower and marine energy) through 2030, increasing annual funding to $300 million - $200 million for marine energy and $100 million for hydropower - up from prior levels. It adds new requirements such as advancing U.S. manufacturing of marine energy components through university-industry partnerships, improving hydropower licensing by compiling environmental data, and integrating cybersecurity into research. The bill also mandates workforce development programs to train future professionals and requires annual congressional briefings on program progress. These changes directly affect the Department of Energy, research institutions, and industries working on water power technologies.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 16, 2026
Last action May 20, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Amendments
1
May 20, 2026
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
lower
May 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
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.
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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