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Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

USA119th CongressHR-7264| House 
| Updated: 1/27/2026
Mark B. Messmer

Mark B. Messmer

Republican Representative

Indiana

Cosponsors (1)
Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)

Agriculture Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Restoring America's Floodplains Act," significantly expands the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to manage and enhance floodplain easements under the Emergency Watershed Program. It specifically authorizes the Secretary to undertake comprehensive restoration and maintenance of vegetative cover, hydrological functions, and other values on these easement lands. To implement these measures, the Secretary may enter into contracts with landowners and agreements with various entities, including States and Indian Tribes. The bill also permits landowners to engage in compatible economic uses , such as hunting, fishing, or managed timber harvest, on easement lands, provided these activities align with the long-term protection of floodplain functions. Crucially, the legislation allows for restoration efforts that provide a higher level of protection than immediately necessary, aiming for the long-term health and resilience of watersheds.
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Timeline
Jul 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2215
Introduced in Senate
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
  • July 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2215
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7567: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

USA119th CongressHR-7264| House 
| Updated: 1/27/2026
This bill, known as the "Restoring America's Floodplains Act," significantly expands the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to manage and enhance floodplain easements under the Emergency Watershed Program. It specifically authorizes the Secretary to undertake comprehensive restoration and maintenance of vegetative cover, hydrological functions, and other values on these easement lands. To implement these measures, the Secretary may enter into contracts with landowners and agreements with various entities, including States and Indian Tribes. The bill also permits landowners to engage in compatible economic uses , such as hunting, fishing, or managed timber harvest, on easement lands, provided these activities align with the long-term protection of floodplain functions. Crucially, the legislation allows for restoration efforts that provide a higher level of protection than immediately necessary, aiming for the long-term health and resilience of watersheds.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2215
Introduced in Senate
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
  • July 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2215
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Mark B. Messmer

Mark B. Messmer

Republican Representative

Indiana

Cosponsors (1)
Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)

Agriculture Committee

Agriculture and Food

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7567: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted