This bill creates a comprehensive federal program to clean up and protect two heavily polluted border rivers: the Tijuana River and the New River. Both rivers cross the U.S.-Mexico border, and both have become dumping grounds for sewage, stormwater, trash, and industrial pollution that threatens public health and the environment on both sides of the border.

The Tijuana River situation is particularly severe. The bill documents that Imperial Beach has experienced over 1,000 consecutive days of beach closures due to contaminated water flowing from Mexico. During storms, billions of gallons of untreated sewage and polluted water cross into the United States. Even during dry weather, the river carries massive amounts of contamination. The problem stems from aging sewage systems in Tijuana, Mexico that can't handle the city's growing population, combined with unmanaged stormwater runoff from both countries.

The New River, which flows from Mexico through California into the Salton Sea, faces similar water quality problems. The bill establishes restoration programs for both rivers that will coordinate efforts between U.S. federal agencies, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and Mexican authorities. It authorizes federal funding for water quality improvements, infrastructure projects, and restoration activities. The programs will require detailed action plans and annual budgets to track progress. Importantly, the bill recognizes that these are international problems requiring international cooperation, and it emphasizes using natural solutions like wetlands and green infrastructure alongside traditional treatment methods.