HR-223 : Still Just a Bill

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2016-FY2020.

The Initiative must prioritize and carry out programs and projects for Great Lakes protection and restoration, including: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern; (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts; (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that comes from many diffuse sources, such as pollution on the ground picked up by rain or snow); and (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration.

Funding made available to implement the Initiative may not be used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program.

Federal agencies must maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities without regard to funding under the Initiative and identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2016-04-27CalendarsReceived in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 439.Senate
2016-04-26FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2016-04-26FloorOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1954-1955)House floor actions
2016-04-26FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 223.House floor actions
2016-04-26FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1954-1957)House floor actions
2016-04-26FloorMr. Gibbs moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2016-03-23CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 354.House floor actions
2016-03-23CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 114-465.House floor actions
2016-03-02CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.House committee actions
2016-03-02CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2016-03-02CommitteeSubcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Discharged.House committee actions
2015-01-09CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.House committee actions
2015-01-08IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.House floor actions
2015-01-08IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Environmental Protection
See Subjects
  • Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
  • Great Lakes
  • Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
  • Lakes and rivers
  • Pest management
  • Water quality
  • Wetlands
  • Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Related Bills

See Related Bills