To amend the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to expand eligibility for certain wastewater infrastructure grants, and for other purposes.

# HR 1265 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would modify the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (a 2020 law focused on ocean conservation and marine debris) to expand which communities qualify for federal grants that fund wastewater infrastructure projects. Wastewater infrastructure includes treatment plants and systems that handle sewage and stormwater. By broadening eligibility requirements, the bill aims to help more areas access federal funding for these essential public works projects. **Who It Affects** The primary beneficiaries would be communities that currently don't qualify for these grants under existing rules—likely smaller cities, rural areas, or specific geographic regions that are excluded under current eligibility criteria.

Taxpayers would also be indirectly affected as federal funds are allocated to these projects. The bill was introduced by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents Washington, D.C. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1265 is in committee, meaning it's still in the early legislative process and hasn't been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill provides limited details in publicly available descriptions, so the exact scope of the eligibility expansion isn't clear from this summary alone.