Bill
HRES 1087
H.Res.1087 endorses community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and urges continued, expanded use at recommended levels.
Title: Recognizing community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote oral and physical health
Status: Introduced February 26, 2026; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Sponsor/Co-sponsors:
- Primary sponsor: Ms. Lois Frankel (FL)
- Co-sponsors include: Jared Moskowitz (FL), Kathy Castor (FL), Hank Johnson (GA), Nanette Barragán (CA), Betty McCollum (MN), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL), Frederica Wilson (FL), Kelly Morrison (FL), Julie Johnson (FL), Darren Soto (FL), Maxwell Frost (FL)
Purpose and overarching goal
- Establishes recognition of community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and promote both oral and physical health.
- Emphasizes the long-standing public health value of fluoridating community drinking water and frames fluoridation as an evidence-based, equitable method of preventive care.
Key provisions and statements
1. Recognition and affirmation
- The House recognizes community water fluoridation as a safe, effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health.
Encouragement of fluoridation programs
Support for public health workforce and partnerships
Continued investment and research
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Substantive content and context (as presented in the bill)
- The resolution cites persistent oral health challenges, including tooth decay being highly prevalent and preventable, and it references historical events and health costs associated with dental infections.
- It cites economic evidence suggesting cost savings from fluoridation (e.g., reductions in dental treatment costs and fewer missed school/work days) and the long-standing scientific support for fluoridation as a public health measure.
- It notes opposition in some states (e.g., Florida and Utah passing measures to prohibit fluoride) and frames fluoridation as a bipartisan, evidence-based solution.
Who/what is affected
- Public health programs at the federal, state, and local levels involved in water supply management and preventive health.
- Communities that have or would implement water fluoridation to optimize fluoride levels for cavity prevention.
- Populations across ages and income levels who benefit from accessible preventive dental health measures.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Procedural: Formal acknowledgment through a House resolution; referral to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (as of the bill’s introduction).
- Timeline: No specific implementation deadlines or funding authorizations are provided within the text of the resolution itself. It serves as a recognition and policy encouragement rather than a spending or regulatory mandate.
Impact notes
- Political/Policy: Signals bipartisan support for community water fluoridation as a public health intervention.
- Public health: Reinforces the importance of maintaining or initiating optimal fluoride levels in community water systems to reduce tooth decay and associated health and economic burdens.
- Education and outreach: Encourages ongoing education and partnerships among health professionals and communities to sustain fluoridation efforts.
Overall, H.Res. 1087 is a clarifying, non-binding resolution that acknowledges the public health value of community water fluoridation, urges continued and expanded use at recommended levels, and supports related research, education, and public health partnerships.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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