On the recordSeptember 27, 2016
Mr. Chairman, we have an opportunity to do a great service for the country by passing H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, otherwise known as WRDA. By building off reforms made in the 2014 bill, WRDA 2016 reasserts congressional authority and oversight on critical infrastructure issues. I commend Chairman Shuster for his commitment to passing a WRDA bill each Congress. It helps to ensure that America's water infrastructure needs are continually addressed and reaffirms the will of the people on these very important infrastructure matters. Substantively, this legislation addresses the needs of America's harbors, locks, dams, coastlines, and other water resource infrastructure projects by authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities. Passage of WRDA is vital to our Nation's economy and will help ensure continued flow of commerce through our Nation's ports and channels. Moreover, this bill also includes preventative measures that will help serve and protect our infrastructure. Along with these obvious benefits, WRDA 2016 is also fiscally responsible and fully offset. In fact, failing to pass this critical piece of legislation will cost the Treasury that much more. Mr. Chairman, the time to pass this bill is now, and I urge my colleagues to support this very important legislation. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).





