John Reed (D-RI)
Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1859)
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 ``Southeast New England Program Authorization Act of 2026'', seeks to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It establishes the Southeast New England Program within the Environmental Protection Agency. The program focuses on protecting, enhancing, and restoring coastal watersheds in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Through a grant program, the Administrator can fund various projects related to water quality and ecosystem restoration. The bill also outlines eligible grant recipients and provides for the coordination of Federal agency actions. Finally, it authorizes specific appropriations for the program through fiscal year 2031.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill establishes a program specifically to protect, enhance, and restore coastal watersheds through pollution reduction and ecosystem restoration.
- Scored +3
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill explicitly identifies federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill supports workforce development, training, and education initiatives related to coastal watershed health.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes $30,000,000 in annual appropriations for the new program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental Protection and Restoration: The program aims to protect, enhance, and restore coastal watersheds through projects that reduce pollution, restore contaminated sites, and protect ecosystems (Section 2(c) and 2(d)(1)).
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Water Quality and Resilience: Grants can be used to improve water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and promote the resilience of coastal watersheds (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Workforce and Education: The bill allows for funding of workforce development, training, or education initiatives that help the health of the coastal watersheds (Section 2(d)(1)(H)).
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Technical Assistance: The program provides for technical assistance to help carry out various watershed projects (Section 2(d)(1)(I)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Cost-Sharing: For any activity carried out using a grant, the Federal share cannot exceed 75 percent, meaning the recipient must provide the remaining portion (Section 2(d)(3)).
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 better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill establishes a program specifically to protect, enhance, and restore coastal watersheds through pollution reduction and ecosystem restoration. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill provides funding for water quality and ecosystem restoration which can benefit various communities within the designated region.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill explicitly identifies federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible grant recipients. Would students be better off under this? — The bill supports education and workforce development initiatives that can benefit students. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill funds workforce development and training initiatives.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports workforce development, training, and education initiatives related to coastal watershed health. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes $30,000,000 in annual appropriations for the new program.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill allows institutions of higher education to be eligible recipients for watershed-related grants.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill includes provisions for workforce development and training initiatives.
- 4/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1859)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts