[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16851-16853]
[From the U.S. 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 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.

[[Page 16852]]

  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. 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.

[[Page 16853]]

  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.

                          ____________________