A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
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
The FLOWS Act of 2026 aims to establish a grant program focused on digital infrastructure technology for rural water systems. The Administrator of the EPA will oversee the program to provide assistance for designing, constructing, and maintaining digital tools for water projects. These grants cover various needs, including water distribution, wastewater, and the protection of water resources. The program also funds workforce training and cybersecurity measures to protect against digital threats. Priority is given to smaller water systems and those serving communities in need. Finally, the Comptroller General is tasked with studying the impact of these technologies on rural water infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +7
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets rural water systems for digital infrastructure and efficiency upgrades.
- Scored +6
Does this invest in rural communities?
The bill specifically targets rural areas for digital water infrastructure improvements.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances water resource protection and monitoring via digital technology.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Water System Efficiency: The use of digital infrastructure technology, such as remote sensing and real-time monitoring, can help detect water loss, identify damaged infrastructure, and improve the efficiency of water operations. (Section 2(a)(2)(A))
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Workforce Development: Grants can be used to provide training to help managers and operators handle water infrastructure projects using new digital technologies. (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii))
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Enhanced Cybersecurity: The program provides funds to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks through on-site training and technical assistance. (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(iii))
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Targeted Support for Small Communities: The program prioritizes entities that own or operate public water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people, ensuring help reaches smaller populations. (Section 2(b)(3)(A))
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Support for Community-Owned Entities: Priority is given to organizations owned or controlled by community members rather than investor-owned entities, supporting local control. (Section 2(b)(3)(B)(ii))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated within the provided text.
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill specifically targets rural areas for digital water infrastructure improvements. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances water resource protection and monitoring via digital technology. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Improved water infrastructure can increase resiliency against extreme weather events.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets rural water systems for digital infrastructure and efficiency upgrades. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes communities in need and aims to increase the affordability of water services. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill allows Tribes to apply for or receive grants on behalf of their water systems.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds workforce development and training for water infrastructure projects. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Improved water system monitoring enhances consumer safety and resource reliability. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investment in digital infrastructure can improve rural economic resilience and efficiency.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill provides funding and training to mitigate cyber-attack risks for water infrastructure.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill includes funding for technological implementation and a formal study by the Comptroller General.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill empowers the EPA Administrator to establish and manage a new grant program.
- 7/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 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.
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona