Terri Sewell (D-AL)
To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to modify provisions relating to rural decentralized water systems grants.
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
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
H.R. 7921 modifies the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act regarding grants for rural decentralized water systems. The bill allows the Secretary to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations. These nonprofits then provide subgrants and loans to individuals for the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of household water well and wastewater systems in rural areas. Subgrants are for those earning less than 60 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income, while loans are for those earning 60 percent or more. The bill also increases a specific dollar amount from $15,000 to $20,000 and extends a date from 2023 to 2031.
Yes· 3 of 25
- Scored +10
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill is specifically and exclusively targeted at improving rural decentralized water systems.
- Scored +9
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Directly provides subgrants to those earning less than 60% of the median nonmetropolitan income.
- Scored +9
Does this invest in rural communities?
Directly funds the construction and servicing of critical water infrastructure in rural communities.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill increases grant funding and extends program deadlines, which may slightly increase federal spending.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill increases funding limits from $15,000 to $20,000 for specific grants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial assistance for water and waste systems: Individuals in rural areas can receive subgrants or loans to construct, refurbish, or service their household water well and decentralized wastewater systems (Section 306E(a)).
-
Targeted aid for low-income households: Individuals with a combined income less than 60 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income for their area are eligible for subgrants (Section 306E(b)(1)(A)).
-
Increased funding limits: The bill increases a specific funding amount from $15,000 to $20,000 (Section 1(2)(A)).
-
Protection through warranties: Subgrants for decentralized wastewater systems can now include extra funding to pay for a performance warranty lasting at least 5 years (Section 1(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loan requirements for higher earners: Individuals whose household income is 60 percent or more of the median nonmetropolitan household income must take out loans rather than receiving subgrants (Section 306E(b)(1)(B)).
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 people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill is specifically and exclusively targeted at improving rural decentralized water systems. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Directly provides subgrants to those earning less than 60% of the median nonmetropolitan income. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers are primary residents of rural areas and depend on these water systems. Would business owners be better off under this? — Increases demand for rural water and wastewater service providers. Would children be better off under this? — Children in rural areas benefit from safer, cleaner drinking water and waste systems. Would retired people be better off under this? — Provides financial aid for home infrastructure to those who may be on fixed rural incomes. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Assists seniors on fixed incomes in maintaining essential water and wastewater systems. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Provides financial assistance for critical home infrastructure repairs. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Offers loan options for those earning above the 60% threshold. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Often highly impactful for rural tribal lands and nearby rural communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Reduces the financial burden of home ownership maintenance for young adults in rural areas. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — May benefit low-income rural residents of color who qualify for subgrants. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — May benefit low-income rural residents of color who qualify for subgrants. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Benefits rural residents regardless of race.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Directly funds the construction and servicing of critical water infrastructure in rural communities. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Properly serviced wastewater systems reduce groundwater contamination in rural areas.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Provides direct subgrants for essential infrastructure to households earning less than 60% of median income. Does this make housing cost less? — Upgrading essential water systems increases the viability and safety of rural housing. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — Ensuring functional water systems helps prevent homes from becoming uninhabitable.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill explicitly provides funding for performance warranties of at least 5 years for wastewater systems. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Local plumbing and wastewater contractors will likely see increased demand for their services. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Improving rural infrastructure can enhance property values and local economic stability. Is this likely to create jobs? — Increased funding for water system construction and servicing may create local contractor jobs in rural areas. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill increases funding limits from $15,000 to $20,000 for specific grants. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill increases grant funding and extends program deadlines, which may slightly increase federal spending.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Providing clean water and wastewater systems is a fundamental public health improvement.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the Secretary's authority to distribute grants to nonprofits.
- 4/3/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 3/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike RogersRepublican · Alabama