Lincoln Chafee: “today I am pleased to join other members of the Committee on Environment and Public Works in introducing the Water…”

“today I am pleased to join other members of the Committee on Environment and Public Works in introducing the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. This measure, similar to water resources legislation enacted in 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1996, is comprised of water resources project and study authorizations and policy modifications for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program. The bill we are proposing today is virtually identical to legislation that was approved unanimously by the Senate last October. That measure, S. 2131, was sent to the House late in the previous Congress and, despite and best efforts of our colleagues in the other body, went no further. As such, it is our desire to advance this year's bill as expeditiously as possible. We have carefully reviewed each item within the bill and have included those that are consistent with the committee's traditional authorization criteria.”