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HR 4357

Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Sara Jacobs and 4 co-sponsors

HR 4357 improves water quality along the U.S.-Mexico border by funding restoration programs for the Tijuana and New Rivers, enhancing public health and environmental safety.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
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Bill Summary · HR 4357

Summary of HR 4357: Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act

Overview

The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act (HR 4357) aims to address public health and environmental concerns related to water quality along the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically focusing on the Tijuana River and the New River. The bill seeks to establish programs and funding mechanisms to restore and protect water quality in these areas, which have been significantly impacted by pollution.

Key Provisions

Title I: Tijuana River Public Health and Water Quality Restoration

  • Findings and Purposes: Establishes the need for action regarding water quality issues in the Tijuana River.
  • Restoration Program: Creates a dedicated program for the restoration of public health and water quality in the Tijuana River.
  • Water Quality Action Plan: Mandates the development of a comprehensive action plan to address water quality issues.
  • Grants and Assistance: Provides for grants and interagency agreements to support restoration efforts.
  • Annual Budget Plan: Requires an annual budget plan to allocate funds for the program.
  • Reporting: Establishes reporting requirements to track progress and effectiveness.

Title II: New River Public Health and Water Quality Restoration

  • Similar structure to Title I, focusing on the New River with specific findings, a restoration program, action plans, grants, budget plans, and reporting requirements.

Title III: Border Water Infrastructure Improvement

  • Infrastructure Program: Introduces a program aimed at improving water infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border to enhance water quality and public health.

Title IV: Miscellaneous

  • Role of the Commissioner: Defines the role of the Commissioner in overseeing the implementation of the Act and facilitating international agreements related to water quality.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on:
- Public Health: By improving water quality, the bill aims to reduce health risks associated with contaminated water sources for communities along the border.
- Environmental Protection: Restoration efforts will contribute to the overall health of ecosystems affected by pollution.
- Bilateral Cooperation: The bill emphasizes collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico in addressing shared water quality challenges.

Legislative Process

  • Introduced: July 10, 2025
  • Referred to Committees: The bill has been referred to multiple committees, including Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and the Budget.
  • Current Status: As of July 11, 2025, the bill is under consideration by the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by:
- Juan Vargas (Primary Sponsor)
- Scott H. Peters (Cosponsor)
- Raul Ruiz (Cosponsor)
- Sara Jacobs (Cosponsor)
- Mike Levin (Cosponsor)

Related Legislation

  • S 2260: This bill has a companion in the Senate, indicating a coordinated effort to address border water quality issues.

This summary provides an overview of HR 4357, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on public health and environmental quality along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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