Nydia M. Velazquez: “I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is…”

“I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 95, after line 15, insert the following (and redesignate subsequent sections accordingly): SEC. 137. NATIONAL WATER-BASED FREIGHT POLICY. (a) In General.--It is the policy of the United States to improve the condition and performance of the national water- based freight network to ensure that such network provides the foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy and achieve each goal described in subsection (b). (b) Goals.--The goals of the national water-based freight policy are-- (1) to invest in infrastructure improvements and to implement operational improvements that-- (A) strengthen the contribution of the national water-based freight network to the economic competitiveness of the United States; (B) reduce congestion; and (C) increase productivity, particularly for domestic industries and businesses that create high-value jobs; (2) to improve the safety, security, and resilience of water-based freight transportation; (3) to improve the state of good repair of the national water-based freight network; (4) to use advanced technology to improve the safety and efficiency of the national water-based freight network; (5) to incorporate concepts of performance, innovation, competition, and accountability into the operation and maintenance of the national water-based freight network; (6) to improve the econom…”