Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act
Introduced Dec 18, 2025 by Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office and modifies requirements concerning the office and its activities, such as new consultation requirements. (The office partners with the Chesapeake Bay Program to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.)
The bill also provides statutory authority for the office's Chesapeake Bay watershed education and training program for elementary and secondary schools.
Further, the bill authorizes the office to establish a program to support coordinated management, protection, characterization, and restoration of priority Chesapeake Bay habitats and living resources.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Sep 15, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sep 14, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5584-5585)
- Sep 14, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6893.
- Sep 14, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5584-5586)
- Sep 14, 2026Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Aug 20, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 664.
- Aug 20, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-763.
- Jul 15, 2026Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- Jul 15, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 15, 2026Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Mar 26, 2026Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Mar 19, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- Dec 18, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Dec 18, 2025Introduced in House