WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 1020 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-90

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Became lawEnergy
IntroducedMar 13, 2025
Passed SenateJul 29, 2025
Passed HouseApr 21, 2026
To PresidentApr 30, 2026
Became lawMay 11, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

S. 1020 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 1 new provision 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. 1 Extension of time to commence construction of certain hydropower projects
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

    This act authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods.

    The act also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this act, effective as of the date they expire.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, May 11, 2026).

    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. 2026-05-11Became Public Law No: 119-90.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-05-11Became Public Law No: 119-90.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-05-11Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-05-11Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-04-30Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2026-04-30Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2026-04-21Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    8. 2026-04-21On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 14 (Roll no. 129). (text: CR H3024) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    9. 2026-04-21Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 14 (Roll no. 129). (text: CR H3024) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    10. 2026-04-21Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3026-3027)House floor actions
    11. 2026-04-21At 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
    12. 2026-04-21DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1020.House floor actions
    13. 2026-04-21Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3024-3025)House floor actions
    14. 2026-04-21Mrs. Harshbarger moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    15. 2025-08-01Held at the desk.House floor actions
    16. 2025-08-01Received in the House.House floor actions
    17. 2025-08-01Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    18. 2025-07-29Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4797-4798; text: CR S4797-4798)Senate
    19. 2025-07-29Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4797-4798; text: CR S4797-4798)Library of Congress
    20. 2025-07-29Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
    21. 2025-07-29Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    22. 2025-03-13Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
    23. 2025-03-13Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Since it became law on May 11, 2026, the Federal Register, the government's daily record of rules and notices, has published 1 document that name it: 1 notice.

    Named in the body of the document

    The quote shows how each one uses the law: as the reason for a change, as background, or in passing.

    1. NoticeSep 4, 2026Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Energy Department
      Juneau Hydropower, Inc.; Notice of Request for Extension of Time To Commence and Complete Construction Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
      This would be the first 2-year extension of time authorized by Public Law 119-90. l. Locations of the Application: This filing may be viewed on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov using the "eLibrary" link.

    Found by searching the Federal Register for Public Law 119-90 and the law's names, then reading each document: every one listed contains them, and the quote is its own words. An agency can carry out a law without naming it, so this list can miss some. Checked Oct 27, 2026. Every new law's rules

    Recorded votes

    Sourced

    Apr 21, 2026 · House roll call 129 · needed 2/3

    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Passed 394–14

    R 186 yes, 14 no, 16 present or not votingI 1 yes, 0 noD 207 yes, 0 no, 6 present or not voting

    How each member voted · Official record

    Cosponsors

    • Bill Cassidy R-LA
    • John Fetterman D-PA
    • John Kennedy R-LA
    • David McCormick R-PA
    • Lisa Murkowski R-AK
    • Tim Sheehy R-MT
    • Dan Sullivan R-AK