Opening remarks, as prepared, of Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC):
Today’s hearing marks the third in a series this subcommittee is holding in preparation for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. Last month, we heard from representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers and national stakeholders in our first two WRDA hearings.
As one of our witnesses wisely said in our last hearing, WRDA is the most important piece of legislation that most Americans have never heard of. On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we are proud to work hard and draft a WRDA regularly. In fact, since 2014, Congress has passed a WRDA bill every two years.
In addition to being on a dependable and predictable schedule, these bills have been bipartisan and consensus-based, making life a little easier for stakeholders and communities across the country. I look forward to continuing this tradition and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass another WRDA bill this year.
WRDA is a critical legislative vehicle, ensuring communities’ water resources needs are met nationwide. Navigation, flood control, beach nourishment, ecosystem restoration, hydropower, water supply, and recreation at Corps facilities are all important issues we will address in this year’s WRDA. In other words, our nation needs WRDAs to keep our communities safe and functional.
I look forward to hearing directly from my Congressional colleagues on the priorities important to them and their constituents and how they will benefit communities across our country. I thank each and every one of them for taking time out of their busy schedule to be with us today.
