Subcommittee Rosters, GSA Resolutions and Water Resources Development Act

I think the thing the framework is

He's hearing things that run counter to his narrative, anything like that.

Oh.

I call the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to order. Pursuant to Committee Rule six F, House Rule eleven, clause two HF, the Chairman may propone further proceedings today on any question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment which recorded vote of the yeas and the nays are ordered. I'd ask unanimous consent that the Chairman be authorized to declare recess at any time during today's meeting without objection that is so ordered. All rosters and checks have been distributed electronically, and paper copies are also available here in the hearing room. As a reminder, the committee may use an electronic voting system for any requested recorded votes. And today the committee is considering approval of updated subcommittee rosters due to changes on the minor majority side. two general service administration capital investment and leasing program resolutions, and an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R ninety-four ninety-seven the Water Resources Development Act. Finally, I'd ask unanimous consent for the committee to use an amendments roster for any items under consideration by the committee, and without objection. Um, that is so ordered. Our first item in business today is the approval of revised subcommittee roster due to membership changes on the majority site, so I call up The subcommittee roster is for consideration. Without objection, the rosters will be considered as read and I recognize myself for a quick statement. Pursuant to House Resolution thirteen eighty-one, Congressman James Gallagher of California was appointed to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, following Congressman Shreve's resignation from the committee to move to the Committee on Appropriations. I'm pleased to welcome the newest member of the House of Representatives, Congressman James Gallagher from California to the committee. Mr. Gallagher will be joining the subcommittees on aviation, highways and transit, and railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials. Mr. Gallagher recently won a special election to fill the seat, previously held by our good friend, Doug LaMalfa, for whom Mr. Gallagher served as a fellow. He also spent more than ten years in the California State Assembly, and is a fifth generation rice and walnut farmer. This committee still has a lot of important work to do this Congress, Mr. Gallagher, we are glad to have you. uh join us on the uh on the committee. Any further discussion? Go ahead, Mr. Gallier, you wanna say a few words?

Uh, thank you, Mister Chairman, for that very nice introduction, and uh thank you for your leadership and thank you to all the members of the Transportation Infrastructure Committee for the support you've already shown, since I joined the committee just a few days ago. I'm grateful uh for that warm welcome and I look forward to working closely with all of you throughout the years we advance uh responsible bipartisan policies. I also want to acknowledge Congressman LaMalfa's long and effective service on behalf of the North State in California. He set a strong foundation for advocating for our water, our infrastructure, and rural community needs, and I'm committed to building on that uh great legacy as I step into this role. I'm excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work on aviation, rail, and highway subcommittees. And I want to thank the chairman and members for this Great opportunity. We're just getting started and I'm eager to contribute wherever I can. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.

Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, I'd ask unanimous consent for the approval of revised subcommittee rosters due to membership changes on the majority side without objection. That is so ordered and the revised subcommittee roster has been approved. Our next item consideration are two resolutions for projects in the GSA capital investment and leasing program. And I'd ask unanimous consent to call up the resolutions in block, and they're now considered as read and open for amendment at any point, without objection. That is so ordered. I recognize myself real quick for a statement. So the two GSA resolutions we are considering today include optimization programs for fiscal years twenty twenty-five and twenty twenty-six. These prospectuses will fund critical projects that will ultimately reduce liability to the taxpayer, realize a return on property sales, and ensure space usage is consistent with requirements set in the public buildings reform that we enacted in WERDA twenty twenty four. I want to thank subcommittee chairman Perry for his work on ensuring that these projects make sense to the taxpayer and with that, I'd urge my colleagues to support these resolutions and I now recognize uh Rick for his statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, uh, Mr. Chair, I support the two GSA resolutions before us today. Both resolutions support GSA's optimization program, which GSA introduced in FY twenty-five to fund the work needed to maximize the federal union portfolio and dispose of underutilized space. Products to be funded, uh, include building renovations, space re- reconfiguration, and agency relocations. One of these resolutions amends a resolution passed by this committee in fiscal year twenty-five. for a uh one hundred and fifty million dollars in ads and additional um hundred and four million seven hundred ten thousand which is equal to the amount already appropriated by congress. The other resolution before us today provides um about well these are big numbers I'll let you read it uh a lot more which is less than GSA requested in FY twenty six but equal to what's already been appropriated by congress to ensure that optimization fund cannot be used to fund priorities not supported by this committee as well these resolutions include a new clause requiring GSA to

Any other members wish to be heard? It's Gary Mindy.

Uh, Mister Chairman, on the resolution, I I rise in strong opposition to this GSA resolution. And let's be very clear about what we're considering today. This isn't just about moving offices around. federal buildings. This is about whether Congress is going to rubber stamp another stamp in the Trump administration's effort to dismantle the Department of Education. The administration has already illegally cut more than fifteen hundred employees in the Department of Education's and moved various functions to other agencies the department's own Inspector General says these cuts have undermined its ability to do Cong- the job Congress has assigned it. Now they're using these cuts as an excuse to take away the department's headquarters. Let's be clear. If they close their offices, we may not be able to rebuild the Department of Education, even if the Democrats win back Congress and the White House. That's not good governance. That's not cost savings. That's manufacturing a problem just to justify an op- an outcome that they wanted all along. That is the destruction of public education in this country. Taxpayer dollars are aren't being used to strengthen the nation's education systems. or to help our students in to succeed. They're being used to make it harder for any future Congress and administration to restore the Department of Education to its full strength. This year's, the president's budget requests includes billions of dollars in cuts to America's public schools and universities. Meanwhile, the president has requested a thirty-five percent increase for nuclear weapons programs in the Department of Energy which is the department, that is to move into the Department of Education's headquarters. This year the administration's requested ninety-eight billion dollars for nuclear weapons and only seventy-five billion for the entire Department of Education. Should we compare that? Yes, we should. We consider we should consider our priorities. It's bad enough that Trump wants to spend more money on weapons than on education, but we should not be complicit. in this process. We should also be very much aware that there's discussion that the Department of Ed's will move to some other building somewhere else in this city. Well, maybe that's true, but that's not in this resolution. It's not anywhere near it. So let's be very, very clear about this. This administration wants to dump the books, burn the books, and build the bombs. That's where this is all going. So step back for a moment, take a look at what we're doing here. we are eviscerating the dep- the education role of the federal government in the universities, in support for students, and in a- and in research and beyond. If this committee approves this resolution, we've allowed one more irreversible step towards dismantling the Department of Education. I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution for those reasons. I yield back.

Eleanor. i strongly support this resolution i have worked for more than a decade to dispose of the department of energy for headquarters to facilitate the development of the southwest federal center into a thriving mixed use neighborhood which will generate tax revenue housing and amenities for the district of columbia this resolution is necessary to begin the disposal of the department of energy's headquarters while i strongly oppose the trump administration's illegally dismantling of the department of education this resolution is about the department of energy not the department of education the department of education will be leaving its headquarters and moving a block away into a federal leased vacant twelve story class a office building at five hundred d street regardless of whether the department of energy leaves or stays in its current headquarters the forestal building the general services administration confirmed in writing yesterday that it has existing funding and authority to move the department of education to five hundred d street and that the department of education's move is not contingent on the outcome of this resolution in short voting no on this resolution blocks the department of energy not the department of education from moving i urge members to vote yes on this resolution

Uh, Representative Larson.

Uh, Representative Larson.

Yeah, just to just clarify something. The the resolution in particular is they're we're we're we're addressing these en bloc, uh, but the one in particular that they're discussing is, um, listed as, uh, PLP zero zero one MU twenty six, the second one, just for members' clarification on that. Thanks. Thank you.

Anyone else wish to be heard? Saying no one. Are there any amendments to the GSA uh resolutions en bloc? Hearing Yeah.

Are you proposing an en bloc vote here?

Yeah. We've already adopted that. Nobody objected.

We did.

Hearing none, the question is now on adoption of GSA resolutions en bloc. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed, signify by saying nay.

Nay.

The opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.

Why don't we have a vote here? Recorded vote.

Gentleman requests to record a vote on GSA resolutions on block. As previously announced, presenta- to committee rule six F, further proceedings on the question um will be postponed. Our next item for consideration is H R ninety four ninety seven, the Water Resource Development Act. of twenty twenty six. This is our word of bill. I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on water, resources and environment from further consideration of H R ninety four, ninety seven without objection. Um, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. Recognize myself to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute Clerk, please designate designate

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR nine four nine seven, offered by Chairman Graves.

Without objection, the amendment in the nature of substitute shall be considered as read and shall be considered as the base text for further amendment. I recognize myself for uh five minutes for a quick statement. Today we are considering the Water Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six, proudly continuing the tradition of advancing WERDA bills in this committee. As Congress marks the seventh consecutive Congress to consider WERDA legislation since returning to a regular two year schedule in two thousand and fourteen I'm proud that this committee continues to find common ground and work together to develop this very crucial um piece of legislation. Consistent WERDA authorizations allow for the Army Corps of Engineers to build and maintain safe and reliable water infrastructure Across the country, keeping the nation's waterways navigable, our neighborhoods protected, and maximizing the benefits of water resources for all Americans. WERDA is a member-driven process, and I'd like to recognize the nearly three hundred and fifty members that submitted requests for this year's WERDA process. This year we received over two thousand member submissions, and these submissions are an essential part of the process that guide the committee in developing a bill that addresses the water infrastructure needs across the country. This bill maximizes the Corps' ability to work with non-federal sponsors to study and construct wa- or major water infrastructure projects across the country by streamlining the Corps' processes empowering local stakeholders and enhancing infrastructure resilience throughout our nation's inland and coastal waterways from Missouri this bill takes action to strengthen our flood control system by expanding the ways our levee owners can work with the Corps to provide resilient flood risk infrastructure for our communities along the inland waterways. Board of twenty twenty-six provides necessary streamlined assistance to levee districts facing realignment and maintenance changes. Further, the bill strengthens Missouri's representation in Missouri river management through interstate collaborations like a new upper Missouri river basin sedimentation study. What if twenty twenty six makes targeted and common sense reforms to allow the Corps to deliver resilient infrastructure through the country that will enhance our nation's navigable waterways solidify our flood risk management, infrastructure, and protect our waters. Our nation just celebrated its two hundred and fiftieth birthday and this bill authorizes the Corps to make important investments in building and expanding our nation's infrastructure prepare for the next two hundred and fifty years. And I'd like to reiterate my thanks to uh, subcommittee chairman Mike Collins and ranking member Larson, and subcommittee ranking member Wilson, for their work in continuing the bipartisan tradition of considering word of bills in this committee. And I now recognize Rick for his statement.

Thank you. Um, in the interest of of time, moving things along, I have a excellent seven, we're a seven page statement that I will send to anybody who wants a copy of it. Um, uh, Marilyn Strickland's on the record for that. Uh, but I would encourage folks to, uh, support the bill. And, uh, let's get moving. Gotta yield back.

Anyone else? Representative Collins.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, thank you for your leadership and support also in developing this important piece of legislation. I, uh, I'd also like to thank my colleagues, Ranking Member Larson and Ranking Member Wilson for their partnership in developing the Water uh Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six. Um, this bill would not be possible without the input from my colleagues throughout the House of Representatives. And I'm proud to say that this bill addresses the water resource needs of communities throughout the country, from Lake Lanier in Georgia to the Port of Long Beach in California. As Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I've had the opportunity to travel across the country to visit dozens of core projects learn firsthand what it is to take to build resilient infrastructure, and hear what these projects mean to local communities. I stood atop the Attics and Barca Reservoirs in Texas. I walked through the Rio de la Plata in Puerto Rico, and I toured the Chickamauga Locking Dam in Tennessee. These experiences have reinforced my understanding of the Corps' mission and the importance of ensuring our nation continues to invest in safe, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure. The water process is a grassroots effort. At its heart, this bill starts with our local communities. And we thank all of the nearly three hundred and fifty congressional offices that did the outreach and made their constituents' voices heard in developing this bill. Following the Trump administration's historic announcement, building infrastructure, not paperwork, Water Twenty Twenty-six makes targeted improvements to the Army Corps limiting the federal overreach and empowering local communities to make resilient infrastructure investments. American ports, harbors, and intercoastal waterways are the nation's economic backbone. Water twenty twenty six empowers the Corps to enhance our waterways, which are the are vital for the nation's economic strength, reliable supply chains, and commercial navigation. Water twenty twenty six delivers for Georgia and the country as a whole. This bill strengthens several programs and establishes an office to expand alternative delivery methods within the Corps. Alternative delivery methods provide non-federal sponsors greater fle- flexibility to work with the Corps and get projects done faster. Further, this bill protects our economy and reduces the risk of interruptions to commuter uh commercial navigation by providing the Corps necessary flexibility in implementing dredge material managed projects. I'm especially proud that this bill expands on the core's ability to contract with local law enforcement to help protect life and property in recreation areas, such as campgrounds. By empowering local communities, we are shifting power away from Washington and toward the states, local sponsors, and property owners. H. R. ninety-four ninety-seven makes targeted reforms to reduce federal bottlenecks and gives locals a seat at the table to drive proj project priorities. These are just a handful of the many ways Water twenty twenty six invests in America. Again, I want to thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson, and Ranking Member Wilson for their hard work in putting this bill together. I also want to thank my fellow committee members for their contributions to the water process. And I urge my colleagues to support this bill and yield back my time.

Miss Titus.

You know. I'm sorry, I didn't understand you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, thank you, Chairman, Ranking Member Larson, and your staffs for working to negotiate this strong bipartisan bill. It does address, as you heard, water challenges in all regions. I'm especially concerned about the arid Southwest. I represent the heart of Southern Nevada, and if you're familiar with my district, you know that water is the cornerstone of lives and livelihoods. But both are at risk now because of the prolonged drought. and increasing aridity in the Colorado River Basin. On average, natural flows from the tributaries of the Colorado River are twenty percent less today than they were in the last century. Year after year, the communities along the river consume more water than is available. And despite that truth, states have yet to come to an agreement for what will happen when the operating guidelines for the river expire this year. So we need to use all the tools that we have to conserve water and mitigate this crisis. While this may be seen as a Western issue today, more and more communities are gonna be experiencing prolonged droughts and water insecurity as the climate continues to change. That's why I'm glad that Water Twenty twenty six strengthens the Army Corps of Engineers' role in protecting our s- water supplies. For example, provisions I champion to create an office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resilience. Having dedicated staff at the Army Corps focused on water supply issues will make a world of difference going forward. The bill also establishes a new continuing authority for the Corps to carry out small scale projects for drought resiliency. And it directs the Army Corps to consider the impact of data centers on water supply and conservation. This is an increasingly uh important issue that we see in the news today. Consider that about two thirds of the upcoming data centers are slated to be built in regions uh experiencing drought. Communities want transparency about how this influx of data centers is impacting their water supply. Just last week the Bureau of Land Management managed to green light a data center in my congressional district without any public engagement. Now while the bill before us today is not a silver bullet to deliver on transparency, it certainly starts the conversation at the federal level. I'm also pleased the bill includes provisions I championed to create a pilot program on using natural infrastructure in dryland streams in arid and drought prone regions. This pilot program will be beneficial in Nevada where eighty-eight percent of streams are ephemeral. That includes our Amigoosa River, which was recently labeled one of the country's most endangered rivers. I'm also proud to have carried provisions that made it in the bill that will help projects currently underway in Nevada, including the Truckee River Flood Management Project. Uh, also in our provisions to add projects that mitigate aquatic and invasive species to the list of authorized projects under the Tahoe Section one O eight program. Invasive species like the New Zealand mud snail threaten Lake Tahoe, and its bustling tourism and outdoor recreation area. Uh, in closing, I think there are great provisions in here that will impact all of our districts. It's word of twenty twenty-six is a major step forward for our water policy, and I'm proud to support it, and I yield back.

Mister Webster.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just uh would like to ask for unanimous consent to include a letter of support for the water bill from the Port of Tampa Bay.

Without objection. Mister Carbajal.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to add my voice in support of the Water Resource Development Act of twenty twenty six, before us today. Water is an important bipartisan bill we consider in this committee because it is how Congress helps make real investments in our communities. For my district in the central coast of California, I am proud that this bill delivers meaningful results. All five of the section two nineteen environmental infrastructure projects I submitted were included in this legislation, totaling sixty-six point five million dollars for communities across my district. That includes thirty million for the Los Olivos Community District to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, twenty-five million for the City of Ojai to improve water reliability and environmental sustainability, six point three million for the City of Lompoc for essential water infrastructure improvements, three point two million for the Summerlin Sanitary District to upgrade aging was- wastewater systems, and two million for the City of Solvang to strengthen local water infrastructure. These may not be flashy projects, but they make a difference for everyday Central Coast residents. They mean cleaner water, safer communities, stronger drought res- resilience, and better quality of life for the people we represent. I am also pleased that this bill authorizes the Army Corps to move forward with repairs to the Morro Bay revetment and seawall. This is a critical infrastructure that protects Morro Bay Harbor, supports maritime commerce, and safeguards the local economy. In addition, this legislation includes a directive to the court to prioritize the city along folks' stormwater improvement study, which is essential to addressing flooding risks and improving public safety. Despite all the noise and posturing that happens in Washington, I am glad to be part of a process that shows that when we work together, we can bring federal resources home to help local communities. This is why I came to Congress, to deliver results for my constituents. At a time when families are facing higher utility bills and local water systems are struggling with aging infrastructure, we cannot afford to delay these investments. By helping communities modernize their water infrastructure now, WERDA can reduce costly emergency repairs, improve system efficiency, and help keep water costs more affordable for American families. I want to thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson, Chairman Collins, Ranking Member Wilson, and all of the staff for their work in putting together this strong bipartisan bill. I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Miss Chair, I yield back.

Dr. Babin.

Thank you, Mister Chairman and Ranking Member Larson, for your leadership, for holding today's mark-up. I also want to thank Chairman Graves uh for his continued work on this legislation and his commitment strengthening our nation's water resources infrastructure. We are here today to consider the Water Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six, a bipartisan bill that reflects Congress's long-standing commitment to investing in America's ports, waterways, flood control systems, and other critical infrastructure. Through WERTA, we provide the US Army Corps of Engineers with the direction and tools that they need to keep our economy moving and our uh communities protected. This legislation has a significant impact on southeast Texas. My district is home to some of the nation's most critical energy and maritime assets, including Port of Houston, the Houston Ship Channel, Cedarport area, and communities that rely on efficient navigation, infrastructure, and strong flood protection. These assets support thousands of jobs, strengthen our nation's energy security, and help keep American commerce moving. I'm very pleased that this bill includes several provisions that will directly benefit Southeast Texas. By clarifying harbor maintenance trust fund allocation requirements for donor and energy transfer ports, authorizing the review of excess federal lands in Chambers, Galveston and Harris counties, and expediting the Cedarport feasibility study, this legislation will strengthen our region's infrastructure, support economic growth, and ensure Southeast Texas remains a critical engine of a of American commerce. These are meaningful improvements that will help move critical projects forward, strengthen our ports, and better serve the communities and industries that depend on them. Beyond Texas, this legislation strengthens the Corps' ability to streamline project delivery, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, increase accountability, and give non-federal partners greater flexibility to advance locally driven projects. Strong ports and inland waterways are essential to our economy and vital to our nation's energy security, supply chain resilience, and long-term competitiveness. For years, Werder has been one of Congress's most successful bipartisan efforts because it focuses on practical infrastructure investments that deliver lasting benefits to communities nationwide. I appreciate the work that has gone into this legislation. And I look forward to supporting its advancement today, and I yield back, Mister Chairman.

Mister Stan.

Thank you very much, uh, Mister Chairman, and to Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larson and Committee Chairman Wilson, uh, and actually Committee Chairman Collins and Ranking Member Wilson, I apologize. I appreciate your leadership in shaping this important legislation for our nation's water resources infrastructure. Our nation's infrastructure needs a shot in the arm. That's true for dams and washes, as it is for roads and bridges. Nowhere is that clearer than in my home state of Arizona. Far too long, the federal government has failed to deliver long-term investments we needed to address decades-long drought and aging infrastructure. And Arizona's water security is tied up now more than ever in the ongoing Colorado River Compact negotiations. Colorado River, a critical piece of our water supply portfolio, is nearing a crisis point. The river's reservoirs are at historic lows due to hotter temperatures and little snow, putting critical hydropower infrastructure at risk. And even though Arizona uses less water today than it did sixty years ago, we'll have to make new sacrifices and significant investments to protect our water supplies and help communities hit hard by drought. I'm the only one from Arizona on this important committee. I'll make sure the federal government is a full partner as we address the challenges ahead. Word of Twenty-six offers us a real bipartisan opportunity to put that partnership to work. The bill advances strong drought resiliency provisions, a new office of water supply and drought resilience, a new continuing authority program for small drought projects, and new authorities to tackle invasive species and restore wa- restore water storage capacity. It includes thirty Arizona-specific projects from Phoenix's Trace Rio's ecosystem restoration work and to flood control efforts in Pinal County. This bill also builds on Arizona's own environmental infrastructure authority that I created six years ago. This EI program extended a lifeline for our communities and tribal nations that are facing increasing uncertainty over their water supply. Today we're adding another a hundred and fifty-one million to that authority. Our communities are investing in water lines, wells, wastewater systems, aquifer recharge projects to stretch every drop of water as far as it can go. We funded two dozen projects under the Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority and according to the Corps there's forty more communities, hoping their projects move forward next. But here's the frustrating reality. Of the more than two dozen projects Arizona Environmental Infrastructure Authority funded, less than ten have broken ground. That's unworkable. Our communities cannot wait years for projects that are needed today. The Corps has begun to streamline NEPA processes and expand categorical exclusions for EI projects. I'm committed to ensuring permitting processes do not delay and drive up costs for critical works. I've also thought for rural and tribal communities to have greater access to those investments. While this key while this bill expands key partnerships, Congress must do more to eliminate barriers across programs and lower federal cost shares for communities that need assistance most. Speed, efficiency, and equity must be our standards as we go forward. So I look forward to working with the chair and ranking member to advance these common sense reforms. Arizona is facing a once in a century challenge. WERTA twenty twenty six is the water infrastructure boost that our communities need.

Four.

So thank you to ranking member Larson, Chairman Graves, the Water Resources Subcommittee for your important work on this bill, and I'm glad to keep working together to make sure all Arizona communities, city, tribal, rural, can make the most of their water supply. Thank you. I yield back.

Chairman yields, Mister Nels.

Mister Chairman, thank you for recognizing me. The the Water Resources Development Act has long been one of the best examples of Congress working to invest in America's infrastructure, strengthen our economy, and ensure the US Corps Army Corps of Engineers has the tools necessary to keep our waterways, ports, flood control projects, and navigation systems functioning safely and efficiently. For Texas, this bill couldn't come at a more important time. The Gulf Texas Gulf Coast is one of the most economically significant regions in the United States. Our ports move hundreds of billions of dollars in commerce every year, support millions of jobs, strengthen our nation's energy security, and serve as critical gateways for both domestic and international trade. The Port Houston complex alone is one of the busiest ports in America, handling record volumes of cargo while serving as the backbone of our nation's petrochemical and energy industries. Our ports are essential to the strength of both the Texas and nation economically. That's why I work to ensure word of bill delivers meaningful results for Texas. Reliable water supply is essential to our nation's economy, our manufacturers, our communities, and our future. In Texas, we understand that firsthand. Approximately thirty-three percent of the U uh nation's US Army core water supply storage space is in Texas. and is vital to meet growing water demands across the state and in my district. Anyone who has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers knows that projects can take decades to move forward. And I know the agency is taking steps to try to speed up these timelines with their new Building Infrastructure Not Paperwork initiative. The following provisions further support that. Section one O one B creates a dedicated office of water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency to coordinate policy, improve communication with local partners, like the Brazos River Authority in my district, and help ensure the Corps fully implements the important water supply authorities Congress enacted in subtitle B of order twenty twenty four. Section one thirty two reinforces the need to maximize the use of existing authorities while explicitly recognizing municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency along the Corps's other missions. Together, these sections helped turn this committee's vision of Water twenty twenty-four into real action for our communities. They elevate water supply and the national conservation, make the Corps a better partner to communi- uh to communities across the country and ensure we're using every available tool to strengthen American prosperity. I was proud to also secure several important priorities in this word of legislation. The bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the feasibility study for the Matagorda ship channel, helping insure the port of Port Lavaca, Point Comfort, can support continued commercial growth. It also clarifies Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund allocations to better insure donor and energy transfer ports, uh, including many in Texas, receive a fair return on the funds they generate. The legislation further requires a comprehensive study of the nation's inland and intercoastal waterways, establishes a new office of inland navigation construction management to improve project delivery and encourages uh more efficient multi-year contracting priorities. It also reauthorizes key poor civil works authorities uh through twenty thirty and provides new environmental infrastructure authority for Bessaria Fort Bannock Galveston counties, while increasing existing authority for Armarillo to strengthen critical water infrastructure across Texas. Mister Chairman, Texas continues to lead the nation in population growth, energy production, manufacturing, exports, international commerce. Our infrastructure must keep pace with that success. This word of bill makes smart investments that will strengthen navigation, improve project delivery, support economic growth, and ensure our ports of waterways remain globally competitive for decades to come. I appreciate the collaborative work that went into this legislation, and I look forward to supporting its passage. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.

Mrs. Sykes is recognized.

Thank you, uh, to the Chairman and the ranking member for holding Today's mark-up and also uh a special shout-out to Chair Collins and Ranking Member Wilson for their work on the subcommittee. Strong water infrastructure is something every community depends on, and I'm proud to have fought for the seventh consecutive bipartisan Water Resources Development Act reauthorization that will help address critical needs in Ohio's thirteenth congressional district as well as across the nation. Chief among the policies in this bill is an additional fifty million dollar authorization for environmental and infrastructure authorities in my district. This investment will allow the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide their expertise to critical water and sewer infrastructure projects that improve our local communities and strengthen our economic competitiveness. Under the Summit County Environmental Authority, fifty million dollars has been authorized to fund projects such as the Village of Lakemore stormwater pond and water treatment system programs. Vi- the Village of Richfield's new stormwater catch basin project the City of Fairlawn Chokolog Run Fish Passage Restoration Project, and the City of Monroe Falls Cuyahoga River Sinage Project. Under the Stark County new authority, forty-nine million dollars has been authorized to fund projects such as the Canton, Kromer, Water Storage Reservoir Replacement Project. There are also improvements to the Ohio Erie Canal, Loch Fore Park, and North Lawrence's sanitary sewer project. This bill also includes a language ensuring the Army Corps of Engineers prepare the city of Massillon sluice gates under section under the section eighty-one fifty-two program. This will resolve the flooding issues caused by the gates deteriorating condition, an issue that the city has been trying to rectify for many years. Parts of my water transf- water reservoir transparency act that is being co-led with Rep. Skelton also made it into the bill. It would protect and strengthen water resources in Ohio and across the country by requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to assess how new commercial and industrial uses, data centers are impacting water reservoirs. I thank Congresswoman Skuldin for her leadership in this bill in addressing an issue that is impacting all of our congressional districts and communities across the country. Finally, the bill would expedite the Corps's finalization of beneficial use for the Port of Cleveland. That will speed up the creation of the one hundred acre parkland and habitat greenway along Cleveland's Lake Erie shoreline bringing additional construction jobs and economic activity to Northeast Ohio. While there's much to celebrate in this word, I want to convey my to my colleagues that the authorization bills alone do not bring funding home to my district or yours without the necessary appropriations. And while I know it is not the jurisdiction of this committee to appropriate funds, I would encourage the Appropriations Committee to actually appropriate the funds that we authorize as not funding it will push back the development and job growth of our communities by years and sometimes decades. This is not the end of the road, and I will continue to urge the House Appropriations Committee to fully fund the Summit and Stark County environmental infrastructure authorizations, as well all of the others that increase jobs, development, and affordable clean water. Thank you, Mister Chairman, for the opportunity, and I yield back.

Thank you.

General Lady yields. Mister R- Raelser is recognized.

Thank you, uh, Mister Chairman. Water is one of the most important bills this committee considers. as it directly impacts communities across the country, especially coastal and flood prone communities like mine in southeastern North Carolina. Water bills produced on a consistent two year cycle ensure the Army Corps of Engineers has the direction needed to implement the objectives of Congress to protect life, property, and strengthen our maritime infrastructure. So I'm especially pleased provisions for North Carolina's seventh district are in this bill including authorization of the Surf City coastal storm, Risk Management Project. This long awaited beach nourishment project will help protect the Surf City community from future storms flooding and erosion. The project has been decades in the making, and after extensive study, review and continued advocacy at the local, state and federal levels, today's bill is a major milestone. So I especially want to commend Surf City's local leaders for their tireless commitment and advocacy. The bill also authorizes flood risk management feasibility studies for the Waikama River Basin around Whiteville, which continues to experience flooding issues in their lower downtown area, the Cross Creek watershed in Fayetteville, a major flooding risk through residential areas of that city, and the town of Topsel Beach to combat inland flooding from flood tides. The bill also authorizes a feasibility study for the water supply of the Cape Fear River and ecosystem restoration around Cumberland County. Additionally, the bill authorizes forty million for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in White Lake. All these provisions will help protect homes, businesses, and communities throughout my district while strengthening resilience for the long term. I especially want to thank the Chairman, the Ranking Member, the Subcommittee Chairman, and the Subcommittee Ranking Member for their great leadership to produce yet again another great water bill holding true to the biennial process that has served this nation so well. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation and I yield back.

Gentlemen yields, Miss Skelton is recognized.

Thank you, Chair Graves and uh Collins, Ranking Members Larson and Wilson, for your hard work in putting together a strong bipartisan WERDA. I am thrilled to support a seventh consecutive WERDA uh to address local water resources uh that are needed while tackling a

Hmm?

One look at a map or a satellite image of our state

Yeah.

will tell you that water is truly a way of life in Michigan. Families and friends come together to enjoy our great lakes. Communities are supported by jobs at our hard-working ports. Farmers need water to grow our famous specialty crops, like Michigan cherries, blueberries, and apples. And this bill will protect Michigan's water resources for generations to come, something that benefits the entire country. I'm so proud of what I've been able to accomplish in this bill. Word of twenty twenty-six includes a whopping a hundred and fifteen million in new environmental infrastructure authorizations between Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon in my district, these these counties in my district, as well as the state of Michigan to invest in drinking water, wastewater, storm water, and related infrastructure. I'm so proud of my Water Reservoir Transparency Act to assess commercial and industrial impacts uh on the core, uh particularly with respect to data centers. The bill also also authorizes a critical watershed study for Muskegon River, expedites the completion of an erosion and shoreline protection projects in Muskegon Heights. Word of twenty twenty six ensures local collaboration on water resource projects, which will boost communication. between the s- the core state and local governments during maintenance dredging. This is essential for communities like Grand Haven, Michigan, where potential dredging delays have risked local jobs and potential detrimental impacts on our supply chain. The bill additionally looks after our Great Lakes communities by adjusting wage rates for employees at the Sioux Locks, reauthorizing the Great Lakes Commission, and tackling invasive species and plants. Finally, the bill reauthorizes FEMA's high hazard potential dam program, which is particularly important after Michigan's statewide flooding this year. Again, I am so proud of this committee's work on Word of Twenty twenty six. I'm s- excited to support this bipartisan effort and to ensure generations to come can enjoy more affordable resilient water in the future. Thank you, and I yield back.

General lady yields, I'll recognize myself for a brief. statement. Uh first I wanna thank Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larson for holding this mark up today. And I'm proud to speak in favor of the Water Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six. As this bill delivers sound investments to our nation's water infrastructure. In southeastern Ohio, some communities continue to face challenges in obtaining the necessary water infrastructure to supply running water in their communities. I'm proud that in the underlying bill there are over thirty-two million dollars in authorizations across southeastern Ohio which, once funded, will help local communities with water supply, water storage, and wastewater treatment plant upgrades. This bill also establishes categorical categorical permissions allowing for projects modifying Army Corps infrastructure to be constructed without the normal lengthy bureaucratic process. After many communities in my district struggled to obtain these permits from the Corps, I am proud to see these provisions included. I represent several counties along the Ohio River, which is one of the most vital inland waterways for the United States' supply chain. Each year, the Ohio River transports roughly two hundred and seventy million tons of cargo, and connects critical energy markets to the Mississippi River, the Gulf of America, and the world. Water Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six makes sound investments in water infrastructure across southeastern Ohio, establishes programs vital to the Ohio River, like the Office of Inland Navigation Construction, and reforms the Army Corps operations to speed up project timelines. I'm proud to support the A and S, I urge my colleagues to support this vital piece of legislation. I yield back and will now recognize Ms. Wilson.

Chair Graves, Ranking Member Larson, and Subcommittee Chair Collins, I'm proud to stand with you. as we present the Water Resources Development Act of twenty twenty six to the committee. When I discussed the Water Resources Development Act to my colleagues, I highlight the consistency and bipartisanship. When I first got to Congress in twenty eleven, I noticed something about WERDA. There was no consistency. We saw WERDA in nineteen ninety nine, in two thousand, but not another until two thousand seven, and then not another until twenty fourteen. This inconsistency was unacceptable. So I gathered my fellow Floridians, Democrats and Republicans, and we formed the Florida Ports Caucus. We, as Floridians, advocated for our deep water ports, the Everglades, and a consistent Werder cycle. We sat in the committee as one of the largest delegations, so I worked with Representative Posey and we launched the caucus. Today, our bipartisan Florida ports caucus continues now with Mister Herodopoulos, as my co-chair. Now, twelve years after Werder, twenty fourteen, We see her having passed a bipartisan word uh into law every single Congress since twenty fourteen I've seen the spirit of our partisanship ensure that we can tackle big goals. In Florida, we have seen the importance of word up as we watched the creation of the comprehensive Everglades restoration plant in word uh two thousand. And we saw we see how far we have come in the last twenty-six years. And in this quarter, I continue to see the commitment to the Everglades. We see additional commitments to the Everglades, including authorizations for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed restoration and the Central Everglades planning project. I see commitments for both of my counties. with the Broward County Back Bay study, the Central and Southern Florida flood resiliency efforts, and an authorization for North Miami. And I saw commitments to my port with both Port Everglades and Port Miami, seeing key commitments in this bill. This word uh delivers for all communities, large, small, Rural and urban. In this bill, we are authorizing the next generation of projects and studies. We are addressing affordability by supporting our economically disadvantaged communities. And we are actively addressing the res- resiliency needs that we are seeing nationwide. As this will be my last word on I am extremely grateful for this committee. Being a member of TNI has allowed me to deliver for my community. As this committee plans for the next quarter, both data centers and PFAS must be in focus. Around the country, we are seeing water resources at risk due to major data center construction. And with PFAS, the forever chemicals, we cannot continue to allow new forever chemicals while attempting to improve our environment. Still, I want to thank you all for this successful bill. And, Mister Chair, I yield back.