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119-hr-5414119th CongressWALLET

DAMS Act

Sponsored By: Representative Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

In Committee

Summary

Would require a federal priority system for rehabbing high-hazard dams and extend program authorization to 2031. The bill would repeal paragraph (4) of Section 8(e) of the National Dam Safety Program Act and would require any State that is not using a risk-based priority system it developed to use the Act’s priority system to identify high-hazard dams. It would also push the authorization year for appropriations under the dam safety program from 2026 to 2031.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Risk-based dam ranking for some states

If enacted, states that lack their own risk-based system would have to use the federal method to rank high‑hazard dams. This aims to focus inspections and repairs where risk is highest. State dam safety agencies and dam owners would need to follow this. It would take effect upon enactment.

Dam repair funds authorized through 2031

If enacted, Congress would keep the legal authority to fund high‑hazard dam repairs through 2031. States and dam safety programs could keep seeking grants under this authority. No new dollar amounts are set. This would take effect upon enactment.

One dam safety rule removed

If enacted, the bill would delete one paragraph from the dam safety law (Section 8(e)(4)). The real‑world effect would depend on what that paragraph did. States and dam programs could see a change in rules. It would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 9/16/2025

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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