HR 10083 Introduced – Water Cyber Grant Reauthorization

Back in August, Rep Cisneros (D,CA) introduced HR 10083, the Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act. This bill is a clean reauthorization of the EPA’s Advanced drinking water technology grant program {42 USC 300j-19h(b)}. Technically, no new funding is authorized by this bill; it continues the current $10 million annual funding authorization. 

According to a press release from Cisneros’ office:  

“The grant funding would be used to invest in technologies that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in drinking water systems. Recent reports showed that at least seven U.S. states have reported cyberattacks affecting water infrastructure to the FBI. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California signed on as a supporting organization.” 

The bill would amend §300j-19h(b)(5)(A) to read: 

“(A) Authorization of appropriations - There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 2027 through 2031, to remain available until expended.” 

Grants under this program can be used to fund “technology that could address cybersecurity vulnerabilities” {§300j-19h(b)(1)(A)(ii) and (iii)} 

Moving Forward  

While Cisneros is not a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to which the bill was referred for consideration, but one of his eight cosponsors, Rep Carter (D,LA), is a member of the Committee. This means that there may be sufficient influence to see the bill considered by that Committee. While I do not expect any organized opposition to this bill, I would be very surprised to see any action on the bill this late in the session. 

Even without this bill, Congress could fund this program in the FY 2027 spending bill, but it was not included in the House IER spending bill (HR 9171). But the water facility cybersecurity situation became more of a recognized problem after that bill was crafted, so the grant funding could still end up in the year end spending mix.