[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



    Statement on the Nomination of Maj. Gen. Robert Bernard Flowers

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr, President, I would like to make a few remarks about 
the nomination of Maj. Gen. Robert Bernard Flowers to be member and 
president of the Mississippi River Commission. Last Thursday, June 5, 
the Committee on Environment and Public Works unanimously reported out 
General Flowers' nomination.
  General Flowers has an impressive background. He has served in the 
U.S. Army since 1969 and is a registered professional engineer. General 
Flowers presently is the Army Corps of Engineers Division Commander of 
the Lower Mississippi Valley, which comprises districts headquartered 
in St. Louis, Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans. In his current 
position, General Flowers oversees the Corps of Engineers' water 
resources program in this 156,000 square mile area of the lower 
Mississippi Valley.
  General Flowers' experience will serve him well in the position 
before him. If confirmed as president of the Mississippi River 
Commission, General Flowers will be responsible for the planning and 
implementation of a program to control and develop the lower 
Mississippi Valley. The MRC also is responsible for the management and 
oversight of the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Project.
  I might add that General Flowers is no stranger to the flooding and 
issues involved in controlling the Mississippi River. In fact, he was 
unable to join the Committee at his confirmation hearing this past 
March because of the urgency of terrible flooding in that area. He is a 
dedicated individual who will continue to be an asset to the 
Mississippi River and the Nation alike. Thank you.