[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H7090-H7092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL WATERWAYS CONFERENCE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mr. SCHAUER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1639) recognizing the contributions of the
National Waterways Conference on the occasion of its 50th anniversary,
and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1639
Whereas the Corps of Engineers (Corps) is the Nation's
premier water resources agency, charged by the Congress with
responsibility over its 3 principal mission areas of
navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental
restoration;
Whereas the Corps is responsible for the maintenance of
more than 11,000 miles of channels in 41 States for
commercial navigation, the operation of locks at 230
individual sites, the maintenance of over 300 deep-draft
commercial harbors and over 600 shallow-draft, coastal, and
inland harbors, and the maintenance of over 8,500 miles of
flood damage reduction structures, including levees;
Whereas the vast array of navigation and flood damage
reduction infrastructure is important to the security and
vitality of the Nation's economy and overall prosperity;
Whereas the Corps' environmental restoration mission seeks
to achieve environmental sustainability, to promote balance
and synergy among human development activities and natural
systems, and to maintain a healthy, diverse, and sustainable
condition necessary to support life;
Whereas the authorization for critical navigation, flood
damage reduction, environmental restoration, and other water-
related projects and studies carried out by the Corps is
typically included in a water resources development act;
Whereas throughout the Corps' history, water resources
development acts have provided the Corps with the authority
to carry out nationally significant projects that have
improved the economic prosperity of the Nation, have
protected its citizenry from the threat of flooding and
coastal storms, and have put in place environmental
restoration efforts for many of the Nation's national
treasures;
Whereas it is the tradition of the House of Representatives
to consider a water resources development act in every
Congress to address current and future needs for water-
related projects and policy changes, including the historic
override of a Presidential veto of the Water Resources
Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114);
Whereas continued and increased investment in the Nation's
water-related infrastructure is essential for meeting the
critical navigation, flood damage reduction, environmental
restoration, and other water-related needs of the Nation, as
well as to ensure the economic security and quality of life
of American families;
Whereas the National Waterways Conference was established
in 1960 to advocate before the Congress for ``common-sense
water resources policies that maximize the economic and
environmental value'' of the Nation's inland, coastal, and
Great Lakes waterways;
Whereas the Conference supports continued congressional
attention in meeting the Nation's water-related needs,
including navigation, flood damage reduction and risk
management, environmental protection and
[[Page H7091]]
restoration, hydroelectric power, recreation, and water
supply;
Whereas the Conference is guided by the purpose of
promoting a better understanding of the public value of the
United States waterways system and to document the importance
of farsighted navigation and water resources policies to a
vibrant economy, industrial and agricultural productivity,
regional development, environmental quality, energy
conservation, international trade, defense preparedness, and
the overall national interest;
Whereas the Conference strives to maintain a diverse
membership that reflects many of the uses of the Nation's
waterways, including flood control associations, levee
boards, waterways shippers and carriers, industry and
regional associations, port authorities, shipyards, dredging
contractors, regional water districts, engineering
consultants, and local governments;
Whereas the Conference has been a consistent advocate for
continued investment in the Nation's water-related
infrastructure, including its strong support for robust
appropriations for the Corps of Engineers' Civil Works
program;
Whereas the Conference serves as an effective national
advocate for water resources-related policy and law; and
Whereas the Conference recognizes that regular
authorization of a water resources development act is
``essential to our nation's environmental well-being and our
economic vitality'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the value of the Corps of Engineers and its
civil works mission to the economic prosperity and
sustainable environmental health of the Nation;
(2) recognizes the contributions of the National Waterways
Conference in the formulation of the Nation's water
resources-related policies and programs for the Corps' civil
works mission and its advocacy for continued and increased
investment in meeting the water resource needs of the Nation;
and
(3) commends the National Waterways Conference on the
occasion of its 50th anniversary.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Schauer) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-
Balart) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
General Leave
Mr. SCHAUER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material on House Resolution 1639.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. SCHAUER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1639 recognizes the contributions of
the National Waterways Conference as it celebrates its 50th
anniversary.
I applaud Mr. Hare of Illinois, the sponsor of this legislation, for
introducing this resolution, and I urge its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Waterways Conference
on their 50th anniversary.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains more
than 12,000 miles of commercial inland channels--12,000 miles. The
Corps of Engineers maintains waterways leading to 926 coastal, Great
Lakes and inland harbors, which are things that we take for granted
every single day regarding our economy. So I am actually pleased to be
here today, speaking on behalf of this recognition and, again, of this
50th anniversary.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this resolution
recognizes the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Conference--
an organization founded as a national advocate for effective policy and
robust funding to meet our Nation's water-related infrastructure needs.
I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare) for introducing this
resolution.
This resolution recognizes the valuable work of the National
Waterways Conference, and congratulates them on marking 50 years of
effective advocacy for meeting the Nation's water-related
infrastructure challenges.
Mr. Speaker, as the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) frequently
states, we are a Nation that was formed along the waters. While
initially used as the main thoroughfare for commerce and trade, the
utility of our Nation's rivers, streams, and coastal areas to our
communities has expanded through the years; however, their importance
has never waned.
Throughout its history, our Nation has been well served by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, the lead-Federal agency charged by Congress
with meeting the growing water-related challenges facing the Nation.
For centuries, the Corps has served as the Nation's premier water
resource agency, charged by Congress with responsibility over its three
principal mission areas of navigation, flood damage reduction, and
environmental restoration.
Throughout this history, the Corps has had great successes in
addressing many of the major water resource challenges presented to the
agency by Congress.
From the development of major U.S. ports and the inland waterway
system, to the protection of thousands of American cities and towns
from the risk of flood damage, to the restoration of some of the
Nation's most valuable natural treasures, such as Yellowstone National
Park and the Everglades.
This Congress, on a regular basis, has provided the Corps with the
authority to carry out nationally significant projects that have
improved the economic prosperity of the Nation, have protected its
citizenry from the threat of flooding and coastal storms, and have put
in place environmental restoration efforts for the Nation's natural
treasures.
These authorities are typically included in a water resources
development act, under the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and my Subcommittee. Our Committee
has a tradition of saying there are ``no Republican levees, and no
Democratic navigation projects''--but, I would contend, these projects
are essential to the lives and livelihoods of the constituents we
represent.
Investment in our water-related infrastructure should be one of those
areas where we can come together as a nation--to meet the ever-growing
challenges facing our Nation. As in the past, with the historic
override of the Presidential veto of the Water Resources Development
Act of 2007, this Congress has a history of transcending our political
differences to address the needs of the Nation.
I look forward to continuing this work with my colleagues, and on
completing our efforts on the Water Resources Development Act of 2010,
which was approved by the Committee before the August District Work
period.
Similarly, I join my colleagues in commending the work of the
National Waterways Conference in the furtherance of our efforts to move
water resources bills on a biennial basis. Throughout its 50-year
history, the Conference has been an effective National advocate for
water resources policy and law, as well as a strong supporter for
robust funding of the authorities for the Corps of Engineers.
Fundamental to this effort is the Conference's attempts to maintain a
diverse membership that reflects many of the uses of the Nation's
waterways, including flood control associations, levee boards,
waterways shippers and carriers, industry and regional associations,
port authorities, shipyards, dredging contractors, regional water
districts, engineering consultants, and local governments.
As is clear from the diversity of the Conference's membership, few
areas of National policy have more divergent views, often competing
needs, and potential for controversy than the Nation's waters.
However, to aid this effort, organizations, such as the National
Waterways Conference, can bring together often competing view points to
promote effective National policy with respect to the management and
protection of the Nation's waters.
In that light, I applaud the Conference for its support of the
Recovery Act, and its appropriation of $4.6 billion for the Corps to
address the water-resource needs of the Nation. This investment, of
which, as of August 31, over 93 percent has been obligated, has allowed
the Corps to address much of the critical backlog for operation and
maintenance of projects in the Corps' jurisdiction.
I also applaud the Conference's support for the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure's efforts to move the Water Resources
Development Act of 2010. This effort is consistent with the traditions
of the Committee to consider a water resources development act in every
Congress to address the current and future water resource needs of the
Nation.
Again, I congratulate the National Waterways Conference on the
occasion of its 50th anniversary, and urge my colleagues to join me in
support of this resolution.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1639, a
resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the founding of the
National Waterways Conference.
I applaud the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare) for introducing this
resolution and for his advocating the recognition of this auspicious
anniversary of the Conference.
Mr. Speaker, the National Waterways Conference was established in
1960 to advocate before Congress for ``common-sense water resources
policies that maximize the economic and environmental value'' of the
nation's inland, coastal, and Great Lakes waterways.
[[Page H7092]]
Throughout its history, the Conference has been a vocal supporter for
continued Congressional attention in meeting the nation's water-related
needs, including navigation, flood damage reduction and risk
management, environmental restoration, hydroelectric power, recreation,
and water supply.
The Conference is guided by its purpose of promoting better
understanding of the public value of the American waterways system, and
to document the importance of far-sighted navigation and water
resources policies to a sound economy, industrial and agricultural
productivity, regional development, environmental quality, energy
conservation, international trade, defense preparedness, and the
overall national interest.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, understands the
importance of the nation's waterways in preserving both the economic
and environmental health and prosperity of the nation. Water is our
common heritage. America's greatest population centers are cities
because they have ports. Seventy-five percent of the nation's
population lives along the water, either on the coasts or the inland
waterways. Despite the relative scarceness of potable water supplies,
generations of Americans have taken water for granted. For most
Americans, the only time to think about water is when there is too much
or not enough. Today, our nation and the world face significant water
resources challenges; yet, there are clear signs that water-use is not
being properly used or planned at home or throughout the world.
For over a century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has
served our nation well in investigating and addressing our most
critical water resources challenges. Whether it is the construction and
maintenance of our coastal and inland navigation systems, protecting
the lives and livelihoods of our constituents from flooding or coastal
storms, or restoring some of the nation's greatest natural treasures,
such as Yellowstone National Park or the Everglades, the nation has
relied on its premier water-resources related agency, the Corps, to
meet its current and future challenges.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is a vital
partner to that effort. It is through the periodic enactment of a water
resources development act that Congress provides direction to the Corps
to meet both the current and future water resources challenges of the
nation, including authorizing critical navigation, flood damage
reduction, environmental restoration projects, and studies carried out
by the Corps.
Following the successful enactment of the Water Resources Development
Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-114), the Democratic and Republican leadership of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure committed to
enactment of a water resources development act every Congress.
Throughout its history, these water resources development acts have
provided the Corps with the authority to carry out nationally
significant projects that have improved the economic prosperity of the
nation, have protected its citizenry from the threat of flooding and
coastal storms, and have put in place restoration efforts for many of
America's natural treasures.
Throughout this effort, the National Waterways Conference has been a
vocal advocate for regular authorization of water resources development
acts. In the view of the Conference, regular consideration of such
laws, such as that taken by our Committee in support of H.R. 5892, the
``Water Resources Development Act of 2010'', is ``essential to the
nation's environmental well-being and our economic vitality.'' I
applaud the valuable role that the Conference has played in the
formation of water resources laws, and commend them for bringing the
often-competing views of the various waterway users to the forefront of
the debate on nationally significant water resources policies.
I also commend the Conference for its vocal support for funding of
the Corps of Engineers in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(P.L. 111-5). Under the Recovery Act, Congress provided $4.6 billion to
the Corps to address both a significant portion of its backlog of
operation and maintenance needs, as well as plan and begin construction
of the next-generation of water-related infrastructure.
According to the Corps, as of August 31, more than 92 percent of the
$4.6 billion is under obligation, with the remainder likely to be
obligated by the end of the fiscal year. By almost all accounts, this
investment of $4.6 billion has been a huge success in meeting the
water-related infrastructure needs of the nation. I applaud the
foresight of the National Waterways Conference in its advocacy for this
effort.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the Conference for its commitment to meeting
the water-resources-related challenges of the nation, and for marking
its 50th anniversary.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1639.
Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me
in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways
Conference.
I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Jim Oberstar of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his support of the
National Waterways Conference and for cosponsoring this resolution.
I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 1639 because the National
Waterways Conference has worked tirelessly since 1960 in educating the
public and elected officials about the importance of our nation's
inland waterways system. The Conference reaches all corners of inland
waterways, the Great Lakes, and coastal stakeholders because it
consists of a diverse group of professionals who all work toward a
common goal: utilizing the waterways in an efficient and responsible
manner, while being accountable to the environment in and around our
waters.
The Conference has also worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers in planning valuable economic and environmental water-based
projects in nearly every geographic region of the U.S. and territories.
For example, in the 17th District of Illinois, the Sny Island Levee
District and the Upper Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers
Association have for years worked to ensure that Congress does not
forget about the catastrophic flooding in the Midwest, and they have
advocated for maximizing urgently needed flood protection and flood
control. The Corps in turn has closely studied and crafted a plan for
protecting the Upper Mississippi River Valley communities. The
Conference and Corps complement each other extremely well.
In addition to recognizing and commending the Conference, the
resolution recognizes the solid commitment and excellent work done by
the Corps of Engineers--the nation's premier waterways infrastructure
operators, designers and builders. The Corps is responsible for
waterways navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental
restoration for more than 11,000 miles of channels in 41 States, in
addition to the important role it plays in supporting our troops.
I believe it is in the best interest of the American people that the
National Waterways Conference continues to work with the Congress, the
Corps' Civil Works Division, and local communities because of its
expertise in planning for a sound economy, industrial and agricultural
productivity, regional development, environmental quality, energy
conservation, international trade, and national defense preparedness.
Mr. Speaker, I know the National Waterways Conference will have
another successful 50 years advocating for improvements to our nation's
water infrastructure. I would like to thank the National Waterways
Conference for all of their hard work, and I wish them the best of luck
in their next chapter.
I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of this bill.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. SCHAUER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Schauer) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1639.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________