More Promises Kept as House Passes Water Resources Bill Davis speaks in support of H.R. 8. Click here for his full remarks. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today spoke in support of H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act on the House floor. The bill passed with bipartisan support, fulfilling the promise of following regular order and keeping Congress on track of reauthorizing WRDA every two years. "Our bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake projects to improve ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resource infrastructure as well as bringing reforms to the Corps. All of these projects have been fully vetted by the Committee at hearings this Congress in an open, transparent, and bipartisan process and they authorize locally driven, but nationally vital, improvements to our water infrastructure. "It truly is clear that WRDA works. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has worked diligently over the past three Congresses to get us back on this two-year WRDA cycle, and ensure we continue to authorize and improve projects important to navigation, flood protection, and harbor maintenance," Davis said on the floor. Davis Amendments Davis and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (R-Ill.) introduced an amendment adopted in committee that will level the playing field for workers at navigation projects. It clarifies that operations and maintenance workers at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation projects are inherently governmental, bringing parity with hydroelectric workers at the facilities. Additionally, Davis, along with colleagues from Illinois and Michigan, offered an amendment that reflects a bipartisan agreement between the Great Lakes states that will ensure the Corps works with the State of Illinois to address concerns that may come up during the Brandon Road Project. Highlights of WRDA 2018 -Provides for needed investment in our ports, channels, locks, damns, and other infrastructure that supports maritime and waterways transportation system and provides flood protection for homes and businesses. -Strengthens economic growth and competitiveness. -Builds upon previous reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers to further accelerate the process for moving projects forward more efficiently and at a lower cost. Related Davis, Bustos Introduce Bill to Protect Our Locks and Dams ICYMI: "Century-old locks and dams require urgent upgrades" by Rep. Rodney Davis |
