Hearing

Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC):

Thank you, Chair Napolitano.  I appreciate you holding this hearing.

Today’s hearing marks the third hearing of the House of Representatives’ portion of the drafting of a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) for 2022.

As I mentioned in our last two WRDA hearings, this is one of the most important pieces of legislation that we do here on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

WRDA is one of the best examples of Congress working the way it should.  Since 2014, Congress has passed a WRDA bill every two years.  In addition to being on a dependable schedule, these talks have been bipartisan, and it has made a big difference for all stakeholders and our water infrastructure.  In fact, in 2020 WRDA passed by voice vote in the House.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle here on the Committee and the full House to pass another bipartisan WRDA this year.

In our previous WRDA hearing, we heard testimony from witnesses representing a cross-section of those partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers on a variety of programs, ranging from storm surge protection to navigation at ports to environmental infrastructure.

Today, we’ll hear directly from our colleagues in Congress on the priorities that are important to them and their constituents.  I look forward to hearing about these member priorities and how they will be of benefit to their communities and our country.