On the recordJune 7, 2018
I want to assure my colleague that when the Appropriations Committee develops its bills it takes into consideration the requests and priorities of Members of the House. Funding levels in the underlying bill reflect those requests, including those requests from the gentleman from Louisiana. Specifically, funding above the budget request for construction of navigation projects totals $625 million, an increase of $176 million above fiscal year 2018. Additional funding for operation and maintenance of inland navigation projects is at $50 million, an increase of $20 million above last year's additional funding level. While we can't specify funding for any particular project, we have worked hard to ensure significant funding for which projects not in the budget request can compete. I would be happy to continue working with my colleague from Louisiana to ensure significant funding for the critical water resources infrastructure work of the Corps of Engineers, and I thank him for his willingness to withdraw the amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
