US Congress · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

HR 3898In Second Chamber

PERMIT Act

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Jul 14, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became Law

Overview

This bill changes the definition of ‘navigable waters’ under the Clean Water Act. It specifically excludes certain features like wastewater treatment systems, dry streams, previously farmed land, and groundwater from being considered waterways subject to federal regulation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will have the authority to determine if other features should be excluded as well. This aims to reduce the scope of the Clean Water Act’s permitting requirements.

Key provisions

Redefines ‘navigable waters’ under the Clean Water Act.
Excludes waste treatment systems from federal regulation.
Excludes ephemeral features (dry streams) that only flow during rain from federal regulation.
Excludes prior converted cropland from federal regulation.
Excludes groundwater from federal regulation.
Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to determine additional exclusions.

Who is affected

Developers and construction companies
Local governments
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Landowners
Environmental groups

Notable changes

Expands the definition of what is *not* considered a navigable water under the Clean Water Act.
Shifts authority for determining exclusions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bill text

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Jun 11, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

36 recorded actions · showing the most recent 12

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nunn (IA) amendment No. 7.

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crawford amendment No. 6.

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Biggs (AZ) amendment No. 4.

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Biggs (AZ) amendment No. 3.

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Babin amendment No. 2.

Dec 11, 2025House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 936, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bean (FL) amendment No. 1.

Dec 11, 2025House

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3898.

Dec 11, 2025House

The Speaker designated the Honorable Addison P. McDowell to act as Chairman of the Committee.

Dec 11, 2025House

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 936 and Rule XVIII.

Dec 11, 2025House

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.

Dec 11, 2025House

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 936. (consideration: CR H5768-5787; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5775-5779)

Dec 15, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Votes

Recorded roll calls and chamber actions on this bill.

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Floor votes and chamber actions

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Recorded roll calls

Geography

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No public positions recorded for this legislation.

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PERMIT Act

Progress