House Passes American Water Stewardship Act 378-32, Reauthorizing EPA Geographic Programs and Coastal Water Monitoring, Alongside Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act and Four Other Bills Under Suspension
The House convened for a major legislative session, passing six bills under suspension of the rules, including the American Water Stewardship Act (H.R. 6422) by a recorded vote of 378-32, and the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) by voice vote. The American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes several EPA geographic programs and coastal water quality monitoring initiatives. The Muhammad Ali Act aims to modernize professional boxing regulations, enhance boxer safety, and expand opportunities. Other bills addressed broadband access in Appalachia, GSA real estate portfolio reporting, Federal building threat notifications, aviation supply chain digitization, recreational drone operations, and airmen certificate accessibility. The chamber also held a Special Order on Women's History Month.
This chamber-day was significant due to the passage of multiple consequential measures, particularly the American Water Stewardship Act, which reauthorizes critical environmental protection programs with broad geographic reach, and the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, which introduces new regulatory frameworks for a federally regulated professional sport. The recorded vote on the American Water Stewardship Act highlights its importance, while the other passed bills address key issues in infrastructure, government transparency, and aviation safety, contributing to various sectors of the U.S. economy and public welfare.
American Water Stewardship Act
H.R. 6422Question before the chamber
The question was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6422, as amended.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill reauthorizes several longstanding and successful EPA programs with strong bipartisan support, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), National Estuary Program, and BEACH Act Program. They highlighted the GLRI's success in cleaning up the Great Lakes, reducing pollution, addressing invasive species, and restoring habitat, noting its high economic return. The bill empowers local communities to address water quality and pollution issues and includes strong oversight provisions requiring a GAO study on program management and effectiveness. The bill also supports coastal water monitoring to protect public health and ensures the health of water resources for flood protection, clean water, and water-based economies.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record during the debate on this bill. A Member did express disappointment that the legislation did not include an increase in the authorized funding level for the GLRI to $500 million, arguing that failing to make necessary investments would cost more in the long run.
Disposition
passed · recorded vote
The bill, as amended, was passed.
378-32
Who is affected
- Communities in the Great Lakes region: Will continue to benefit from efforts to clean up, reduce pollution, address invasive species, and restore habitat through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
- Communities around Long Island Sound, Columbia River Basin, and San Francisco Bay: Will see continued federal support for restoration and protection programs in their respective water bodies.
- Coastal communities and the public: Will benefit from continued coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs (BEACH Act) to ensure safety from diseases and pollution.
- Local communities with estuaries of national significance: Will receive support for locally led efforts to restore and protect environmental health through the National Estuary Program.
- Taxpayers and Congress: Will gain increased accountability and transparency through a GAO study on the efficiency, effectiveness, and ethical practices of EPA geographic programs.
- Non-Federal entities with ties to foreign countries of concern: Will be ineligible to receive federal funds under these programs, impacting their participation in projects.
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026
H.R. 4624Question before the chamber
The question was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4624), as amended.
The case for
Proponents argued that the bill modernizes professional boxing, which has seen a decline due to outdated regulations, by allowing Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) to operate alongside existing sanctioning bodies. This creates more opportunities, better pay, and stronger safety protections for fighters, including additional neurological testing, qualified ringside physicians, and expanded pre-bout medical testing. The bill establishes a national minimum payment of $200 per round, increases minimum insurance coverage for injuries to $50,000, and adds $15,000 in accidental death coverage. It also incorporates consistent anti-doping standards, increases drug testing, and simplifies championship titles to one per weight class, aiming to restore integrity and attract investment to the sport.
The case against
Opposition was aired, with concerns that the bill, as initially drafted, would strip away protections for fighters established by the original Muhammad Ali Act, particularly regarding coercive contracts, financial disclosures, and the firewall between promoters and managers. Critics argued that the new UBO structure could replicate exploitative models seen in other combat sports, leading to issues like long-term contracts, forced arbitration, and class action waivers. One Member noted that USA Boxing had withdrawn its endorsement of the bill, and a boxing CEO criticized the bill for potentially removing existing legal protections for fighters who sign with UBOs.
Disposition
passed · voice vote
The bill, as amended, was passed.
Who is affected
- Professional boxers: Will have increased safety protections, including enhanced medical examinations and insurance, higher minimum pay, and potentially more career opportunities through UBOs. However, some concerns were raised about potential loss of existing protections under the original Ali Act if they contract with UBOs.
- Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs): Will be established as a new operational framework, subject to specific safety, anti-doping, and contract requirements, allowing them to organize matches and manage rankings.
- Boxing commissions and regulatory bodies: Will interact with UBOs under new federal guidelines, with requirements for certified ringside physicians and adherence to anti-doping and anti-gambling policies.
- Fans and the sport of boxing: May experience a revival of the sport with clearer title structures and enhanced integrity, potentially bringing more events to the U.S.
American Water Stewardship Act Passes with Strong Bipartisan Support
highThe House passed H.R. 6422, the American Water Stewardship Act, by a recorded vote of 378-32. This comprehensive bill reauthorizes several EPA geographic programs, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Long Island Sound Program, Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, National Estuary Program, and the BEACH Act Program, through fiscal year 2031. It also mandates a GAO study on the management, effectiveness, and ethical practices of these programs.
Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act Approved to Modernize Boxing
highH.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, passed by voice vote under suspension of the rules. This bipartisan legislation creates a framework for Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), strengthens health and safety protections for all professional boxers, establishes a national minimum payment per round, and aims to restore integrity to the sport through anti-doping and anti-gambling protocols.
Multiple Infrastructure and Government Oversight Bills Passed
mediumThe House also passed four other bills under suspension of the rules: H.R. 2474 (Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act), H.R. 6480 (Report on State of Real Estate Portfolio of GSA), H.R. 6481 (Federal Building Threat Notification Act), H.R. 6267 (Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025), H.R. 6460 (Recreational Drone Empowerment Act), and H.R. 2247 (Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act). These measures address issues ranging from rural broadband, GSA real estate transparency, Federal building security, aviation supply chain integrity, and drone operation regulations.
Women's History Month Special Order Highlights Challenges and Contributions of Black Women
mediumA Special Order was held to commemorate Women's History Month, with a particular focus on the historical and ongoing contributions and challenges faced by Black women in the United States. Speakers discussed their roles in social evolutions, economic success, and the fight for civil rights, while also addressing contemporary issues such as economic disparities, healthcare access, and threats to voting rights.