119-HR-187 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan plan to put clear, up‑to‑date boating and fishing rules for federal waters on one public, digital map so people know where they can go and what they can do. [3]Congress.gov — H.R.187 – MAPWaters Act of 2025 — Congress.gov bill overview

What It Does

The bill tells the Forest Service and Interior Department to standardize how they collect and share recreation data, then publish online maps of federal waterway access points (like boat ramps and portages), navigation info, and fishing rules. Agencies must set common data standards within 30 months, post most water-access data within five years, update it at least twice a year, and update fishing restrictions in real time as they change. It also creates a public comment process and protects sensitive archaeological and similar locations from disclosure. [4]Congress.gov — Text of H.R.187 — Referred in Senate (01/22/2025) — Congress.gov

Who’s For It

• Sponsors from both parties: led by Rep. Blake Moore (R‑UT) with original cosponsors Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D‑CA), Russ Fulcher (R‑ID), and Debbie Dingell (D‑MI). [3]Congress.gov — H.R.187 – MAPWaters Act of 2025 — Congress.gov bill overview[5]Web search · turn 0 #5
• Outdoor recreation and fishing groups say a single, accurate source for rules will help millions of anglers and boaters plan trips and follow the law (American Sportfishing Association). [6]ASA — House of Representatives Passes Priority Sportfishing Bills — American Sp…
• Additional supporters quoted in congressional materials include the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, onX (mapping), Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and others, citing better access information and safer recreation. [7]House of Representatives (Rep. Moore) — Press release: MAPWaters Act supporters…
• House vote shows broad support: it passed 413–0 under suspension of the rules on January 21, 2025. [1]Congress.gov — All Info for H.R.187 (119th): MAPWaters Act of 2025 — Congress.g…

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition is on record: the House vote was unanimous, and the Senate cleared it by voice vote. [1]Congress.gov — All Info for H.R.187 (119th): MAPWaters Act of 2025 — Congress.g…[2]Senate Democratic Caucus — Senate Democratic Caucus Wrap Up for Tuesday, Decemb…
• The Interior Department previously supported the bill’s goals but flagged implementation concerns (overlap with existing mandates, excluding some agencies, and coordination challenges). [8]U.S. Department of the Interior — DOI Statement for the Record on the MAPWaters…
• Privacy/safety worries about sensitive sites are mitigated by a clause barring disclosure of archaeological and similar resource locations. [4]Congress.gov — Text of H.R.187 — Referred in Senate (01/22/2025) — Congress.gov

What’s Next

After the Senate’s December 16, 2025 voice vote, the bill heads for enrollment and then to the President for signature or veto. If it becomes law, agencies have 30 months to set data standards and five years to publish most online maps, with regular updates thereafter. [2]Senate Democratic Caucus — Senate Democratic Caucus Wrap Up for Tuesday, Decemb…[4]Congress.gov — Text of H.R.187 — Referred in Senate (01/22/2025) — Congress.gov