AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 10, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill authorizes and modifies Army Corps of Engineers water resource projects including port/harbor maintenance, waterway navigation improvements, flood and storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, shoreline protection, algal bloom management, dam rehabilitation, and water supply projects.
- The bill directs the Corps to establish an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods to accelerate infrastructure project delivery.
- The bill directs the Corps to issue a rule creating categorical environmental permissions for harbor and river improvements with minimal adverse environmental effects.
- The House passed the bill on September 16, 2026 by a vote of 415–9 under suspension of the rules.
- The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported the amended bill on September 3, 2026.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The official summary does not specify which projects will be newly authorized, modified, or funded, or provide financial figures.
- The official summary does not quantify the acceleration expected from the new Office on Alternative Delivery Methods or identify affected projects.
- The rule for categorical environmental permissions may streamline permitting for qualifying harbor and river improvements, but specific environmental thresholds and project types are not detailed in the summary.
- The bill's concrete effects on water infrastructure timelines, costs, environmental outcomes, and regional beneficiaries are not established in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill on September 16, 2026 (415–9 vote under suspension of the rules).
- Motion to reconsider was laid on the table on September 16, 2026.
- Bill was reported amended by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on September 3, 2026.
- No scheduled Senate action or presidential signature date is documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 313).
- Sep 16, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 313).
- Sep 16, 2026 — Considered as unfinished business.
- Sep 16, 2026 — At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Sep 16, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9497.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.