House committee leaders applauded the passage of the Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020 on Tuesday.
U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Sam Graves (R-MO), ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Grace Napolitano (D-CA), chair of the Water Resources and Environment Committee and Bruce Westerman (R-AR), ranking member for the Water Resources and Environment Committee, heralded the bill as essential to the country’s ports, harbors, and inland waterways, as well as ecosystem restoration and flood mitigation in both rural and urban communities.
“I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020. This legislation—which the House unanimously approved earlier this year—is key to boosting America’s competitive edge. It includes provisions to invest in our ports, harbors, and inland waterways; build more resilient communities; address affordability concerns for communities; unlock the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund; and ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers carries out projects in an economically and environmentally responsible manner keeping equity in mind,” Chair DeFazio said.
The bipartisan legislation, developed and passed on a biennial basis since 2014, passed after negotiations with the Senate since late July.
The bill now goes to the Senate for passage before heading to President Trump’s desk.
“WRDA 2020 will help strengthen the Nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, protect our communities, and create jobs. In particular, the vital flood control and risk reduction improvements in this bill will help safeguard communities throughout North Missouri and around the country. I want to thank all of those in the House and Senate who worked on this final bill and ensured that Congress maintains regular oversight of important water resources infrastructure projects and policies. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation demonstrates what Congress can do for America’s infrastructure when we leave politics at the door and work together to find common ground,” Ranking Member Graves said.