Rodney Frelinghuysen: “As author of section 101 of the bill, let me clarify my intent and the intent of the Committee on appropriations. Our…”

“As author of section 101 of the bill, let me clarify my intent and the intent of the Committee on appropriations. Our primary motivation was saving extremely scarce dollars without adversely impacting essential Corps missions. In addition, we intended to take steps that would be supportive of the private sector which is so essential in ensuring the proper maintenance of the Nation's navigation channels. Specifically, the amendment I offered in Committee would prohibit the Army Corps of Engineers from going forward with major repairs and improvements to the government owned dredge McFarland, especially when earlier studies questioned the justification of the current Federal hopper dredge fleet and when the Corps is, once again, conducting a reevaluation of the Federal hopper dredge fleet and industry capability. We on the Appropriations Committee have the responsibility of ensuring that Federal dollars are spent wisely. At the same time, we recognize that the authorizing committee has the major role in deciding the need for and the appropriate size and scope of the Federal hopper dredge fleet. Our intent was simply to defer expenditures for major repairs of one of the vessels until the ongoing study is completed. Further, we felt that a more accurate assessment of the existing Federal fleet was through a market test--using industry first and the Corps vessel in reserve if industry can't do the job. It was never our intent to usurp the jurisdiction of the authorizing committee.”