Pablo Hernández (D-PR)
Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Puerto Rico Water Infrastructure Resilience Act'', directs the Secretary of the Army to perform a major review of water systems. The Secretary, acting through the Corps of Engineers, must conduct a comprehensive assessment of the modernization needs for water and wastewater infrastructure in Puerto Rico. This assessment requires consultation with the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and other relevant agencies. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must prepare a report for Congress. This report will cover current conditions, project statuses, and ways to improve resilience against disasters.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill focuses on assessing and modernizing wastewater systems to improve environmental resilience.
- Scored +3
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill specifically requires assessing modernization needs to enhance resilience against natural disasters.
- Scored +2
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Improving public water and wastewater systems can mitigate the disproportionate impact of system failures on low-income residents.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Infrastructure Assessment: The Secretary of the Army must conduct a comprehensive assessment of the water and wastewater infrastructure modernization needs of Puerto-Rico (Section 2(a)). This could help identify what is actually needed to fix the system.
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Disaster Resilience: The report is required to include a description of modernization needs to enhance resilience against future natural disasters, droughts, and system failures (Section 2(b)(3)). This focus on resilience could help protect people from future system failures or environmental issues.
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Improved Project Delivery: The Secretary must include recommendations for improving coordination across Federal and local agencies to accelerate project delivery in Puerto Rico (Section 2(b)(4)). Faster project delivery could mean quicker improvements to the water systems used by the public.
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Project Oversight: The report will include the status of ongoing and planned projects, including any delays or gaps in project execution (Section 2(b)(2)). This provides transparency regarding how current water projects are performing.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets infrastructure needs specifically within Puerto Rico, benefiting its predominantly Hispanic population. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improving public water and wastewater systems can mitigate the disproportionate impact of system failures on low-income residents. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill addresses vulnerabilities that can impact water access in diverse geographic areas within Puerto Rico. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The assessment of water and wastewater systems is vital for the stability of urban and populated service areas. Would children be better off under this? — Ensuring clean and reliable water infrastructure provides a safer environment for children. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Improved water systems provide essential utility stability for working-age populations. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Modernizing water infrastructure supports stable utility services for middle-income residents. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Reliable water infrastructure is crucial for the health and safety of the elderly population. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Infrastructure modernization contributes to the long-term stability of the living environment for young residents.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill specifically requires assessing modernization needs to enhance resilience against natural disasters. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill focuses on assessing and modernizing wastewater systems to improve environmental resilience. Does this invest in rural communities? — Addressing water infrastructure modernization needs directly supports the development of Puerto Rican communities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Modernizing water infrastructure can support long-term economic stability and growth in Puerto Rico. Is this likely to create jobs? — The assessment of infrastructure needs and acceleration of project delivery may lead to increased construction and engineering jobs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The required report provides transparency regarding the status of ongoing and planned water projects in Puerto Rico.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — Improving water and wastewater infrastructure can enhance public health protections against waterborne illnesses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Reliable water infrastructure is a fundamental component of poverty reduction and public health stability.
- 2/6/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Darren SotoDemocrat · Florida