Washington Report – October 6, 2025

Latest News

Federal Government Shutdown Continues

The federal government is operating under a partial shutdown, which means “non-essential” personnel and operations are not authorized to continue;
“Essential” employees continue working without pay;
- Essential services related to national security and public health continue and include military, law enforcement, border security, air traffic controllers, and Social Security
In response, each federal agency implements its own “Procedures Relating to a Lapse in Appropriations” plans;
- These plans are activated when Congress fails to pass annual appropriation bills necessary to fund federal government operations and programs
The House passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) Sept. 19 to fully fund the government at current FY25 levels until Nov. 21, though the Senate voted it down multiple times with 60 votes being needed for the Senate to pass the CR;
President Trump met with House and Senate Majority and Minority leaders. However, no agreement was reached that would allow Congress additional time to complete FY26 appropriations bills;
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has previously been enacted so funding from this law should not see a major disruption at the federal level though some programs may be slowed due to furloughed “non-essential” employees;
There is no known timetable for when Congress may act to fully re-open the government, and the House of Representatives has postponed its previously scheduled return to DC from Oct. 6 to Oct. 13;
The full impact of the partial federal government shutdown will be determined by the duration of the shutdown;
Follow APWA Government Affairs on X and LinkedIn for timely updates.

Roadshow Shows Off Pure Water San Diego

The latest stop on the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow – the continuing partnership between APWA, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – happened Saturday;
Pure Water San Diego, a landmark water reuse project that will provide nearly half of the city’s water locally by 2035, was showcased by the Roadshow;
The project aligns directly with APWA’s Water Resiliency public policy priority, demonstrating how investment in infrastructure and local leadership can strengthen community sustainability;
APWA President Vic Bianes spoke about the teamwork and perseverance from those who have worked to get the project to this point;
San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava also delivered remarks praising the engineers and public works pros leading the effort;
Watch the replay of the event here.

APWA Government Affairs in Nevada, Missouri

Members of the APWA Government Affairs team visited Nevada last week for its 60th anniversary and Missouri for its annual fall conference;
Government and Public Affairs Director Andrea Eales visited Stateline for its Shaping the Future of Public Works gathering, which featured a surprise video message from U.S. House Infrastructure and Public Works Caucus Co-Chair – and the chapter’s U.S. Representative – Dina Titus;
- Rep. Titus also presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Commendation
Meanwhile, Government Affairs Media Manager Mark Shade traveled to Lake of the Ozarks, MO, for the Missouri chapter’s annual fall conference;
APWA Government Affairs team members are available to visit your chapter events;
- Send your invites to Andrea at aeales@apwa.org.

APWA Joins in Support of Water Infrastructure Programs

APWA has joined 11 water associations to support the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act of 2025, which was introduced by Rep. Carbajal (CA-24) and cosponsor by Reps. Valadao (CA-22), Carter (LA-2), Mast (FL-21), Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Van Drew (NJ-2);
This bill would reauthorize three water infrastructure programs established under IIJA that are set to expire in 2026 for an additional five years;
The programs award grants for increasing resilience to natural hazards, including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and hydrologic changes, extreme weather events, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities and for the planning, design, or construction of projects that increase the resilience of a publicly owned treatment works to natural hazards or cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Protect Critical Water Infrastructure Funding — Take Action Now

Congress is finalizing FY26 funding, and vital water infrastructure programs remain at risk. Here’s what you need to know;
The President’s FY26 budget proposed cutting 90% of Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and eliminating WIFIA funding entirely;
While Congress has restored some funding in the latest appropriations bills, the SRFs still face a $2B reduction from previous levels;
APWA urges all APWA members to contact their federal representatives and advocate for full funding of WIFIA and the SRFs, essential tools for maintaining safe, resilient water systems in our communities;
Not receiving APWA legislative action alerts? Text “PWX” to 52886 to sign up and make your voice heard.