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Shuster & McCarthy Announcement on WRDA

Washington, D.C., May 31, 2018 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) today announced that the House of Representatives will consider H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA), next week.

WRDA is bipartisan legislation that provides for improvements to the Nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.  The bill authorizes proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works activities and builds upon Corps reforms provided under successful WRDA legislation in recent Congresses.  The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously approved H.R. 8 on May 23, 2018.

“WRDA works by investing in infrastructure that is critical to improving America’s competitiveness, strengthening our economy, and protecting our communities.  Moving the many products we buy on a daily basis, getting goods we farm and manufacture to markets across the country and around the world, and protecting our communities from flooding all depend on effective water resources infrastructure,” said Chairman Shuster.  “I appreciate Leader McCarthy for promptly bringing this bill to the House floor, and I look forward to working with the Senate to send a final WRDA 2018 to the President.”

“Next week the House will help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers protect our nation’s critical infrastructure by passing the Water Resources Development Act.  This bill will increase our nation’s resiliency against natural disasters and facilitate the flow of commerce by authorizing Corps projects on ports, dams, and other water infrastructure,” said Leader McCarthy.  “I commend the members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, especially Chairman Bill Shuster, for their hard work to assist the Corps in its vital mission to keep America moving.”

H.R. 8 is the third Water Resources Development Act approved by the Committee under Chairman Shuster’s leadership, and follows the transparent process established under the 2014 bill (the Water Resources Reform and Development Act) that has led to a return to regular order and biennial consideration of this legislation. 

WRDA 2018:

  • Authorizes locally driven, but nationally vital, investments in our Nation’s water resources infrastructure.
  • Strengthens economic growth and competitiveness, helps move goods throughout the country and abroad, and protects our communities.
  • Follows the transparent process Congress established under the 2014 reforms for considering proposed Army Corps of Engineers activities.
  • Builds upon previous reforms of the Corps to further accelerate the process for moving projects forward more efficiently and at lower cost.
  • Upholds Congress’ constitutional duty to provide for infrastructure and facilitate commerce for the Nation.

    Additional information about the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 is available here.

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