In a move that underscores President Donald Trump’s long-standing objective to revamp household water fixtures, the Republican-led House has made strides by passing a bill aimed at easing federal efficiency standards for showerheads. This legislative push, humorously dubbed the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing, or Shower ACT, reflects a broader effort to implement Trump’s vision of “making showers great again.”

The bill was approved by a vote of 226-197, with a notable crossover of 11 Democrats who supported the initiative. Proponents within the Republican camp argue that the measure will strip away burdensome regulations, thus allowing for increased water flow through showerheads. In contrast, Democrats caution that such deregulation could lead to inflated utility bills for consumers and exacerbate environmental concerns.

“If consumers want a nozzle that merely dribbles, they should have that option. But if they prefer something with more force, that choice should also be available,” explained GOP Representative Russell Fry, who introduced the bill. His remarks capture the essence of the argument for consumer choice at the heart of the legislation.

Despite the House’s enthusiasm, the bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain. Senators are currently preoccupied with pressing matters such as government funding and foreign policy issues. Nevertheless, this legislative effort is part of a larger strategy led by House Speaker Mike Johnson to enshrine Trump’s executive decisions into federal law, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing political narrative surrounding environmental regulation and consumer rights.

The legislation is light on details, and its prospects in the Senate are uncertain as members of that chamber focus attention on government funding and foreign policy. Still, it’s part of a broader effort by House Speaker Mike Johnson to codify Trump’s executive actions in federal law.

In April, Trump signed an executive order calling for an immediate end to water conservation standards that limit the gallons per minute flowing through showerheads and other household appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. The House bill builds on that directive, seeking to reduce what Republicans view as overregulation by permitting stronger water flow in homes than current standards allow.

Environmental groups have criticized the proposal, warning it would increase water consumption and energy use. Democrats echoed those concerns and questioned why Republicans were spending time on the issue.

“Why on God’s green earth, on the first full day that this Congress is back in 2026, are the Republicans using the floor time — in the midst of armed conflict and daily corruption by this administration — to run a bill on rich people showers?” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., during debate last week.

For over three decades, federal energy law has outlined appliance standards that determine new showerheads shouldn’t pour out more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (9.5 liters). The Obama administration refined the restrictions and applied those limits to the water that comes out of the entire showerhead, even ones with several nozzles.

During his first term, Trump relaxed that rule to allow each nozzle of a showerhead spray as much as 2.5 gallons. The Biden administration reversed Trump’s action in 2021.

Republicans defended the bill as a necessary corrective. GOP Rep. Michael Rulli of Ohio said Republicans are “worried about the working man.”

“You go on vacation, you go to a motel and you get a shower, it’s the worst shower you ever had. It’s cold. It’s dripping out there. The working man cannot even enjoy his daily life,” Rulli said.