Alan Simpson: “First let me assure my colleague that I understand the issue prompting this amendment. Seeing our communities flood and…”

“First let me assure my colleague that I understand the issue prompting this amendment. Seeing our communities flood and our constituents struggling to deal with the aftermath of flooding, especially when there are projects already planned to prevent such flooding, can be extremely frustrating. That is why the energy and water bills over the past several years have included significant funding above the budget request for the Corps of Engineers flood and storm damage reduction mission. In fact, the fiscal year 2017 energy and water bill more than doubles the budget requested from the administration for construction of these projects. It is an increase of 113 percent, or $457 million. More specifically, the bill includes $392 million in additional funding, for which the Houston area projects could compete. That amount is $82 million more than the amount provided in the fiscal year 2016 act. Additionally, the committee report directs the Corps to consider the severity of risks of flooding or the frequency with which an area has experienced flooding when deciding how to allocate the additional funding provided. The bill provides strong support for addressing flood risks. Because the amendment does not actually change funding levels and, so, does not upset the balance of priorities within this bill, I will not oppose this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”