Bill · H.R. 7921· House(119-HR-7921)
To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to modify provisions relating to rural decentralized water systems grants.
- Introduced
- 3/12/2026
- Last activity
- 4/3/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Sponsored by
- Terri Sewell
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
H.R. 7921 modifies the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act regarding grants for rural decentralized water systems. The bill allows the Secretary to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations. These nonprofits then provide subgrants and loans to individuals for the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of household water well and wastewater systems in rural areas. Subgrants are for those earning less than 60 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income, while loans are for those earning 60 percent or more. The bill also increases a specific dollar amount from $15,000 to $20,000 and extends a date from 2023 to 2031.
Yes· 3 of 25
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+10
The bill is specifically and exclusively targeted at improving rural decentralized water systems.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
Directly provides subgrants to those earning less than 60% of the median nonmetropolitan income.
Does this invest in rural communities?+9
Directly funds the construction and servicing of critical water infrastructure in rural communities.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill increases grant funding and extends program deadlines, which may slightly increase federal spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill increases funding limits from $15,000 to $20,000 for specific grants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial assistance for water and waste systems: Individuals in rural areas can receive subgrants or loans to construct, refurbish, or service their household water well and decentralized wastewater systems (Section 306E(a)).
-
Targeted aid for low-income households: Individuals with a combined income less than 60 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income for their area are eligible for subgrants (Section 306E(b)(1)(A)).
-
Increased funding limits: The bill increases a specific funding amount from $15,000 to $20,000 (Section 1(2)(A)).
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Protection through warranties: Subgrants for decentralized wastewater systems can now include extra funding to pay for a performance warranty lasting at least 5 years (Section 1(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loan requirements for higher earners: Individuals whose household income is 60 percent or more of the median nonmetropolitan household income must take out loans rather than receiving subgrants (Section 306E(b)(1)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+10Good For Low Income Households+9Good For Farmers+7Good For Business Owners+4Good For Children+4Good For Retirees+4Good For Seniors+4Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For White Americans+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+9Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+6Improves Affordable Housing+5Reduces Homelessness+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+4Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 4/3/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 3/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 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.
Mike RogersRepublican · Alabama