On the recordMay 22, 2014
I would like to thank my friend from Texas, Senator Cornyn. As the top Senate Republican member of the conference committee for WRRDA, I agree with his understanding and interpretation of the language in section 1046(a) of the WRRDA conference report. Multipurpose dams and reservoirs in Texas are crucial to the well-being and economic viability of Texas, particularly in areas that have experienced severe droughts over the past several years. This provision is explicit in that the Secretary shall coordinate with appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, as well as public and private entities that may be affected by those reviews and activities. This provision also prohibits any changes to the authorized purposes of any Corps dam or reservoir and only allows the Secretary to carry out recommendations or activities pursuant to existing law. As the Corps implements this provision, I will work with my colleague from Texas to monitor the Corps' activities and ensure there are no adverse effects to dams and reservoirs in his State.
