By Blessing Nweke
The Republican-controlled House voted Tuesday to advance legislation aimed at fulfilling President Donald Trump’s long-standing pledge to “make showers great again,” approving a bill that would loosen federal efficiency standards for showerheads.
The measure, formally titled the Saving Homeowners from Over regulation With Exceptional Rinsing, or Shower ACT, passed 226-197, with 11 Democrats joining Republicans in support. The vote marks the latest effort by House GOP leaders to roll back environmental and energy regulations they argue restrict consumer choice.
Republicans said the bill would sweep away unnecessary rules that limit water flow, giving homeowners the freedom to choose higher-pressure showerheads. Democrats countered that the proposal could leave consumers with higher utility bills and worsen water and energy consumption at a time of growing environmental strain.
“If they want a nozzle that dribbles on their head, well then go get one of those. If you want something that slices an orange, well then go get one of those. That should be your choice as a consumer,” said Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., the bill’s sponsor.
The legislation provides few specifics and faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where lawmakers are focused on government funding deadlines and foreign policy challenges. Still, it reflects House Speaker Mike Johnson’s broader push to codify Trump-era executive actions into permanent law.
In April, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to immediately end water conservation standards limiting gallons per minute for showerheads and other household appliances, including dishwashers and toilets. The House bill builds on that directive by allowing stronger water flow than current standards permit.
Environmental groups and Democrats warned the changes would increase water use and energy demand. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., questioned the priorities behind the legislation, asking why Congress was debating shower regulations amid global conflicts and domestic challenges.
Federal law for more than 30 years has capped new showerheads at 2.5 gallons per minute. That rule has shifted across administrations, with Trump easing limits during his first term and President Joe Biden reinstating stricter standards in 2021.
Republicans defended the bill as a quality-of-life issue. “We’re worried about the working man,” said Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, arguing that weak water pressure has made everyday showers a frustration for many Americans.
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