US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB766

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Surveilling Effluent Water for Epidemic Response Act or the SEWER ActThis bill provides statutory authority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) program, which detects and monitors pathogens in wastewater. It requires the CDC to expand and intensify the activities of the NWSS, including with respect to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The NWSS provides funding and guidance to public health departments for wastewater surveillance activities. Under the NWSS, health departments and other partners coordinate on wastewater surveillance at sampling sites and share data with the CDC. The NWSS was initially implemented to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and has since expanded to include influenza A, avian influenza A, mpox, and RSV.     

Summary

House Bill 766, known as the Surveilling Effluent Water for Epidemic Response Act (SEWER Act), aims to enhance public health preparedness through a national wastewater surveillance system. The bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish and improve monitoring activities focused on detecting infectious pathogens in wastewater. This system is expected to respond effectively to public health emergencies by providing valuable data on the presence of various infectious agents, including viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. One of the key features of HB766 is the authorization of $150 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. This funding is intended to support the expansion and coordination of wastewater surveillance efforts across federal, state, and local agencies. The allocation is aimed at strengthening the nation’s ability to promptly identify and respond to disease outbreaks, thereby improving overall public health outcomes. Supporters of the bill argue that establishing a national wastewater surveillance system is crucial for early detection of potential health threats, enabling swifter action to curb the spread of diseases. They contend that surveillance of wastewater can serve as an innovative tool in epidemic prevention, allowing for targeted interventions based on data gathered from community sewage systems. Despite its potential benefits, the bill may encounter challenges regarding privacy, resource allocation, and compliance for wastewater utilities. The rule of construction included in the bill clarifies that it does not make it mandatory for wastewater providers to adhere to requests for surveillance data. This provision may lead to debates regarding the balance between public health needs and the operational capabilities of local wastewater facilities. Overall, HB766 represents a significant step towards enhancing disease monitoring capabilities in the context of emerging public health threats.

Congress_id

119-HR-766

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR38

This resolution elects Members to the committees on Appropriations; Education and Workforce; Homeland Security; Rules; Small Business; and Transportation and Infrastructure.

US SB125

End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers ActThis bill prohibits federal funding for entities, or their affiliates, that perform abortions, provide referrals for abortions, or provide funding to others that perform abortions. It provides exceptions for abortions (1) in the case of rape or incest, or (2) when a physician certifies there is a danger of death to the woman without an abortion. The bill’s prohibition applies to any federal statutory law adopted after the bill’s effective date, unless such law contains an explicit exemption. 

US HB709

National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems.Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology.Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.

US HB117

Fourth Amendment Restoration ActThis bill repeals the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (which authorizes various types of searches and surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes) and limits surveillance of U.S. citizens.The bill requires that an officer of the U.S. government obtain a warrant for certain search and surveillance activities against a U.S. citizen, including (1) conducting electronic surveillance, (2) conducting physical searches of property under a U.S. citizen's exclusive control, or (3) targeting a U.S. citizen to acquire foreign intelligence information.The bill provides for criminal penalties for a person who intentionally (1) violates these requirements without statutory authorization, or (2) discloses or uses information that the person knows (or has a reason to know) was obtained under color of law by methods that violate these requirements. Information about a U.S. citizen acquired under Executive Order 12333 (relating to intelligence gathering) or during surveillance of a non-U.S. citizen shall not be used against the U.S. citizen in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding or investigation.  

US HB80

Drain the Intelligence Community Swamp Act of 2025This bill revokes the security clearances of 51 individuals who signed a statement titled Public Statement on the Hunter Biden Emails and dated October 19, 2020. It also (1) specifies that a security clearance may not be granted or renewed for any of them, and (2) requires the Departments of Defense and Justice to investigate these individuals.    

US HB250

This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to contract for and place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol.The committee shall place the statue in a permanent public location where it is accessible during a guided tour provided by the Capitol Visitor Center.The contract must be executed by December 31, 2025, and the statue must be placed by December 31, 2026. 

US SR20

This resolution honors the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of Korean immigrants to the United States and urges all individuals in the United States to observe Korean American Day.

US HB351

This bill prohibits the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from establishing or maintaining a value pricing program under the FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program that includes value pricing, congestion pricing, or cordon pricing.  In general, value pricing, also referred to as congestion pricing, includes a variety of strategies to manage congestion on highways and surface streets (e.g., charging drivers on congested roadways during peak periods). Cordon pricing is a form of congestion pricing that includes a zone-based pricing system that involves either variable or fixed charges to drive within or into a congested area within a city.

US HR14

This resolution elects members to standing committees of the House of Representatives.  

US SB57

Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act or the MAPLE ActThis bill includes maple syrup as one of the eligible foods under the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). As background, the Department of Agriculture's SFMNP provides grants to participating states to provide low-income seniors with coupons/vouchers that may be used at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to purchase eligible foods (i.e., fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.