WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 187 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-62

MAPWaters Act of 2025

Became lawPublic Lands and Natural Resources
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Passed HouseJan 21, 2025
Passed SenateDec 16, 2025
To PresidentDec 18, 2025
Became lawDec 26, 2025

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 187 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 6 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Definitions
  • Sec. 3 Interagency data standardization
  • Sec. 4 Data consolidation and publication
  • Sec. 5 Cooperation and coordination
  • Sec. 6 Reports
  • Sec. 7 Effect
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025

    This act directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to the public's access to federal waterways for recreational use.

    (Sec. 3) The Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data.

    (Sec. 4) Within five years, the Forest Service and Interior must also digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about (1) federal waterway restrictions, (2) federal waterway access and navigation information, and (3) federal fishing restrictions. They must also update the data about waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information at least twice per year. Data about fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes go into effect.

    The Forest Service and Interior must also develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data regarding waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information.

    The requirements under this section do not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements.

    (Sec. 5) To carry out the act, the Forest Service and Interior may (1) coordinate and partner with nonfederal agencies, private entities, and nonprofit partners; and (2) enter into agreements with third parties.

    The Forest Service and Interior may work with the U.S. Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on their behalf.

    (Sec. 6) The Forest Service and Interior must annually report to specified congressional committees on their progress in meeting the requirements of this act.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Dec 26, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. 2025-12-26Became Public Law No: 119-62.Library of Congress
    2. 2025-12-26Became Public Law No: 119-62.Library of Congress
    3. 2025-12-26Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2025-12-26Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2025-12-18Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2025-12-18Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2025-12-17Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    8. 2025-12-16Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S8766-8768)Senate
    9. 2025-12-16Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.Library of Congress
    10. 2025-12-16Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
    11. 2025-12-16Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    12. 2025-01-22Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
    13. 2025-01-21Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    14. 2025-01-21On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 0 (Roll no. 19). (text: CR H238-239) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    15. 2025-01-21Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 0 (Roll no. 19). (text: CR H238-239) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    16. 2025-01-21Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H250-251)House floor actions
    17. 2025-01-21At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    18. 2025-01-21DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 187.House floor actions
    19. 2025-01-21Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H238-240)House floor actions
    20. 2025-01-21Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
    21. 2025-01-03Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
    22. 2025-01-03Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
    23. 2025-01-03Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    24. 2025-01-03Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-62 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

    Recorded votes

    Sourced

    Jan 21, 2025 · House roll call 19 · needed 2/3

    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: Passed 413–0

    R 211 yes, 0 no, 6 present or not votingD 202 yes, 0 no, 13 present or not voting

    How each member voted · Official record

    Cosponsors

    • Debbie Dingell D-MI-6
    • Russ Fulcher R-ID-1
    • Jimmy Panetta D-CA-19