Summary of HR 3940 - Open America's Waters Act

Bill Number: HR 3940

Title: Open America's Waters Act

Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation

Introduced: June 12, 2025

Classification: Bill

Primary Sponsor: Tom McClintock

Related Bills: S 2043 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

The Open America's Waters Act aims to enhance access to the United States' navigable waters for recreational and commercial purposes. The bill seeks to promote economic growth, improve maritime safety, and ensure environmental protection by streamlining regulations and encouraging responsible use of waterways.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to achieve its objectives:

• Regulatory Streamlining: The legislation proposes to simplify the permitting process for accessing navigable waters, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for both recreational and commercial users.

• Increased Funding for Infrastructure: It allocates funding for the maintenance and improvement of ports and waterways, ensuring they are safe and accessible for all users.

• Environmental Safeguards: While promoting access, the bill emphasizes the importance of environmental protection, requiring assessments to ensure that increased access does not harm aquatic ecosystems.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: The bill calls for initiatives to educate the public about responsible waterway use and conservation efforts.

Who Would Be Affected

The Open America's Waters Act would impact a variety of stakeholders, including:

• Recreational Boaters and Fishermen: Increased access to navigable waters would benefit individuals and families engaging in recreational activities.

• Commercial Shipping and Fishing Industries: Streamlined regulations and improved infrastructure would support businesses reliant on maritime transport and fishing.

• Local Governments and Communities: Enhanced access to waterways could boost local economies through increased tourism and recreational opportunities.

• Environmental Organizations: While the bill promotes access, it also involves environmental assessments, affecting how organizations engage with waterway conservation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Introduced on June 12, 2025: The bill was first presented in the House of Representatives.

• Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Following its introduction, the bill was sent to this committee for further consideration.

• Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation: As of June 13, 2025, the bill is under review by this subcommittee, which will evaluate its provisions and make recommendations.

Conclusion

The Open America's Waters Act represents a significant legislative effort to enhance access to the United States' navigable waters while balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its progress and potential impacts on waterway access and management.