Washington– The Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced legislation aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s decision Long-term desire “To make showering great again” by voting to relax federal efficiency standards for shower heads.
The bill — called the “Saving Homeowners from Over-Regulation Through Extraordinary Flushing,” or Showers Act — passed by a vote of 226 to 197, with support from 11 Democrats.
Republicans say the measure would remove unnecessary regulations and allow more water to flow through showerheads. Democrats warn that relaxed standards could saddle consumers with higher utility bills and worsen environmental impacts.
“If they want a nozzle that drips on their head, well, go get one of those. If you want something that cuts an orange, well, go get one of those. This should be your choice as a consumer,” said GOP Rep. Russell Frey, the bill’s sponsor.
The legislation lacks details, and its prospects in the Senate are uncertain as members of that chamber focus their attention on government finances and foreign policy. However, it is part of a broader effort by House Speaker Mike Johnson to codify Trump’s executive actions into federal law.
In April, Trump signed an executive order calling for an immediate end to water conservation standards that limit gallons per minute flows through showerheads and other household appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. The House bill builds on that guidance, seeking to limit what Republicans see as overregulation by allowing stronger water flow into homes than current standards allow.
Environmental groups criticized the proposal, warning that it would increase water and energy consumption. Democrats echoed these concerns and questioned why Republicans were spending time on the issue.
“Why in green heaven’s name, on the first full day back in this Congress in 2026, are Republicans using floor time — in the midst of armed conflict and daily corruption by this administration — to pass a bill on the bathrooms of the rich?” Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., said during debate last week.
For more than three decades, Federal energy law Appliance standards specify that new showerheads should not pour more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (9.5 liters). The Obama administration improved the limits and applied those limits to water coming out of an entire shower head, even those with multiple nozzles.
In Trump’s first term This base is relaxed to allow each shower head spray nozzle to have up to 2.5 gallons. the The Biden administration reversed the action taken by Trump in 2021.
Republicans defended the bill as a necessary corrective. Ohio Republican Rep. Michael Rowley said Republicans are “concerned about the working man.”
“You go on vacation, you go to a hotel and you take a shower, and it’s the worst shower you’ve ever had. It’s cold. It’s dripping in there. A working man can’t even enjoy his daily life,” Rowley said.