The bill
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
HR. 3168, 119th Congress — read as touching Telecommunications.
Sponsored by
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
ID: V000129
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 3168, 119th Congress — read as touching Telecommunications.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
July 20, 2026
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the underlying disease.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 3168) claims to improve earthquake preparedness and response by reauthorizing the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977. The bill's primary objective is to allocate funds for seismic research, early warning systems, and infrastructure resilience.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends various sections of the original act, including:
* Expanding program activities to include Tribal governments and post-earthquake recovery-based performance objectives. * Updating duties of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction to include coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission for emergency alerts. * Requiring biennial reports from the committee and advisory committee. * Modifying responsibilities of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to include data sharing, resource allocation, and expanding the earthquake early warning system.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:
* The USGS, which will receive additional funding for seismic research and infrastructure development. * State and Tribal governments, which will benefit from expanded program activities and coordination with federal agencies. * The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which will play a key role in broadcasting emergency alerts. * Lobbyists and special interest groups representing the construction, insurance, and technology industries.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "legislative lip service." While it appears to address earthquake preparedness, its true purpose is to funnel money to favored constituencies and maintain the status quo. The increased funding for seismic research will likely benefit private contractors and researchers rather than improving public safety.
The expanded early warning system may provide some benefits, but its effectiveness will depend on the quality of implementation and coordination between agencies. Don't hold your breath – bureaucratic inefficiencies and turf wars will likely hinder progress.
Meanwhile, the bill's authors will tout this legislation as a victory for public safety, while quietly pocketing campaign contributions from grateful stakeholders. The real winners are the politicians who get to claim credit for "doing something" about earthquake preparedness without actually addressing the underlying issues.
In conclusion, HR 3168 is a textbook example of legislative malpractice – a feel-good bill that prioritizes special interests over meaningful reform. It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, designed to placate voters while maintaining the lucrative status quo.
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 4 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: C001059
Top Contributors
10
ID: F000466
Top Contributors
10
ID: V000138
Top Contributors
10
ID: D000617
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 70 nodes and 42 connections (80 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $121,600
Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped.
Section 2(b)(2)(VIII) adds duty to coordinate with FCC Chair on timely broadcasting of emergency alerts from earthquake early warning system, which benefits telecom providers involved in alert dissemination.
Section 2(a)(1)(B) expands program activities to include designing, constructing, evaluating, and retrofitting for earthquake hazards reduction, directly aiding construction and engineering firms.
Section 2(a)(2)(ii) includes development of standards for lifeline infrastructure (which covers pipelines, energy facilities) for earthquake hazards reduction, benefiting energy infrastructure operators.