[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E673-E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 
                                  2000

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I'm pleased to introduce by request 
the Administration's Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (or WRDA 
2000). The proposal constitutes the Department of the Army's Civil 
Works legislative program for the Second Session of the 106th Congress.
  The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee works very closely 
with the Administration, particularly the Army Corps of Engineers and 
the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), to 
ensure that the nation's largest water resources program is effective 
and responsive to current and future needs. The Committee welcomes the 
transmittal of this proposal to Congress as a sign of good

[[Page E674]]

faith and genuine interest in facilitating the enactment of a WRDA 2000 
before the year's end.
  The Committee has held three hearings this year on proposals and 
priorities for a WRDA 2000. This is in addition to the six hearings on 
Corps of Engineers and WRDA projects and programs held last year before 
and after enactment into law of the Water Resources Development Act of 
1999 (P.L. 106-53). We will look very closely at the Administration's 
WRDA 2000 bill, requests from our Congressional colleagues, and 
recommendations from public witnesses and other interested parties. We 
intend to introduce and move through the Committee a bipartisan, widely 
supported bill.
  The Administration's bill, which we introduced by request today, has 
numerous provisions that should be supported. At the same time, I must 
emphasize that some of the bill's programmatic and project-related 
proposals raise serious questions and, in some circles, strong 
opposition. I, myself, am particularly concerned that the importance of 
the Corps' traditional water resources missions is not adequately 
reflected in the proposal and that some of the environmental projects 
and provisions need further review.
  I look forward to working closely with my colleagues and the 
Administration to ensure that a WRDA 2000 can move swiftly through the 
Congress and become law before the year's end. Based on our country's 
water infrastructure and environmental restoration needs and the 
growing competition, as well as opportunities, in the global 
marketplace, this is ``must pass'' legislation that must not be 
delayed.

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