Rep. Cisneros Introduces Legislation to Reauthorize Water Resilience and Cybersecurity Funding

WASHINGTON - Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) introduced the Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize an EPA technology grant program for small and disadvantaged water systems, which is set to expire in FY26. The grant funding would be used to invest in technologies that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in drinking water systems. Recent reports showed that at least seven U.S. states have reported cyberattacks affecting water infrastructure to the FBI. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California signed on as a supporting organization.

"Water is one of our most vital resources, especially here in California," said Rep. Gil Cisneros. "With the rise in cyberattacks on our water systems, protecting our critical infrastructure is more important than ever. I introduced the Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act to renew a grant program that would give small water systems the resources they need to bolster their cybersecurity and protect clean drinking water across the country."

"Small and rural water systems often lack the resources to modernize their infrastructure to withstand today's extreme weather events and malicious adversaries. Recent reports of cyberattacks on water infrastructure across multiple states make clear that this isn't a hypothetical risk; it's happening now. Our bill ensures these communities can continue accessing the grant funding they need to modernize aging systems and close critical security gaps. Reauthorizing this program is essential to protecting the safety and reliability of drinking water for millions of Americans," said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Rep. Cisneros is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, and on the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.

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