John Thune: “Mr. Chairman, I have to express my strong objection to that particular provision. For most of my colleagues here in the…”

“Mr. Chairman, I have to express my strong objection to that particular provision. For most of my colleagues here in the House, this debate may not be familiar. It is primarily a regional issue with divisions that break along regional lines, but its significance is much broader than that. For more than a decade, the Corps has been working toward a revision of the master manual that would change the flow and possibly the priorities of the river. The process has been complicated and contentious, but we are nearing a resolution. I appreciate the concerns that the proponents of section 106 have regarding downstream flooding and the continued viability of navigation. However, I believe there is a way to address upstream and downstream concerns as we modify the master manual to account for those competing priorities. I believe we can forge a balanced approach to the operation of the river. We must consider all of the impacts and do this in a way that balances the needs of all the States concerned.”