[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13922-13926]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]





                WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2016

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 897 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, 
H.R. 5303.
  Will the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren) kindly take the 
chair.

                              {time}  1535


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of 
the bill (H.R. 5303) to provide for improvements to the rivers and 
harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and 
development of water and related resources, and for other purposes, 
with Mr. Hultgren (Acting Chair) in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The Acting CHAIR. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today, 
amendment No. 10 printed in House Report 114-790 offered by the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves) had been disposed of.
  Pursuant to House Resolution 897, no further amendment to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute referred to in House Resolution 
892 shall be in order except those printed in House Report 114-794.
  Each such further amendment shall be considered only in the order 
printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in 
the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the 
time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the 
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall 
not be subject to a demand for division of the question.


                  Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Byrne

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

     SEC. __. GULF COAST OYSTER BED RECOVERY ASSESSMENT.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Gulf states.--The term ``Gulf States'' means each of 
     the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and 
     Texas.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
       (b) Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Assessment.--The 
     Secretary, in coordination with the Gulf States, shall 
     conduct an assessment relating to the recovery of oyster beds 
     on the coast of Gulf States that were damaged by events 
     including--
       (1) Hurricane Katrina in 2005;
       (2) the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010; and
       (3) floods in 2011 and 2016.
       (c) Inclusion.--The assessment conducted under subsection 
     (b) shall address the beneficial use of dredged material in 
     providing substrate for oyster bed development.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives a report on the assessment conducted 
     under subsection (b).

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Alabama (Mr. Byrne) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alabama.
  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Chairman, my straightforward amendment calls for the 
Army Corps of Engineers to perform a gulf coast oyster bed recovery 
assessment.
  Over the last 20 years, the oyster industry on the Gulf Coast has 
faced some serious challenges. Hurricane Katrina destroyed so many of 
our oyster reefs. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill blanketed many oyster 
growing areas and resulted in substantial harvest reductions.
  More recently, flooding in 2011 and earlier this year produced 
increased freshwater discharges into many parts of the Gulf and threw 
off the mix of fresh- and saltwater that oysters need to thrive.
  In 2001, oyster landings in the Gulf totaled 25.5 million pounds; in 
2014, which is the most recent data available, oyster landings in the 
Gulf were down to 19.9 million. This is a dangerous decline that really 
impacts our oystermen and the overall coastal economies.
  This industry is especially important to the Gulf Coast. The oyster 
industry generated nearly $100 million in oyster landings by fishermen 
in the Gulf States in 2014.
  And we aren't just talking about the oystermen themselves. Having a 
successful oyster industry also benefits processors, restaurants, 
transportation, tourism, wholesalers, and retailers.
  Mr. Chairman, I have visited with our local oystermen, and they are 
really struggling. It is heartbreaking to hear their stories. This is 
their livelihood, but also a way of life for these Americans. We can 
and we must do more to support their industry.
  My amendment would pave the way for a partnership between the Army 
Corps of Engineers and the Gulf States to explore ways to improve 
future prospects for oysters. The assessment will address the 
beneficial use of dredged material and provide substrate for oyster bed 
development. Similar work has been done with the oyster industry in the 
Chesapeake Bay, and it has been a great success.
  I also want to point out that improving the oyster beds on the Gulf 
will also benefit the ecosystem and environment as a whole. As filter 
feeders, oysters provide significant water quality benefits and, as an 
important prey species, they support finfish, such as redfish and other 
species, further up the food chain.
  States have already been working to improve conditions for the oyster 
industry through the use of BP settlement money, but further 
partnerships with the Army Corps of Engineers will go a long way.
  I appreciate Chairman Shuster and his staff for working with me on 
this amendment and for all his work on the underlying bill.
  Ultimately, I urge my colleagues to stand up for our Gulf Coast 
oystermen and support my amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition, although I am 
not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Oregon is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I think the gentleman's amendment has 
great merit, and I urge Members to support it.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Chairman, I would ask everyone to support this very 
important amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Crawford

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

     SEC. __. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION.

       (a) Projects Eligible for Assistance.--Section 5026(6) of 
     the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 
     (33 U.S.C. 3905(6)) is amended by striking ``or a water 
     recycling project'' and inserting ``a water recycling 
     project, or a project of the Corps of Engineers to provide 
     alternative water supplies to reduce aquifer depletion''.
       (b) Credit.--Section 5029(b) of the Water Infrastructure 
     Finance and Innovation Act

[[Page 13923]]

     of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 3908(b)) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(10) Credit.--With respect to a project of the Corps of 
     Engineers to provide alternative water supplies to reduce 
     aquifer depletion, any eligible project costs incurred and 
     the value of any integral in-kind contributions made before 
     receipt of assistance under this subtitle shall be credited 
     toward the 51 percent of project costs to be provided by 
     sources of funding other than a secured loan under this 
     subtitle (as described in paragraph (2)(A)).''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
  

  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chairman, first, let me applaud the chairman's 
efforts and dedication to moving this reauthorization of the Water 
Resources Development Act. Continued investment in water infrastructure 
projects is critical to my constituents and communities all over the 
country who rely on water infrastructure to protect our communities and 
to strengthen the competitiveness of private enterprise.
  The amendment I am offering today builds upon past successes of the 
chairman and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It seeks 
to amend the Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act, or WIFIA, so 
that it will better address the problem of groundwater depletion, an 
issue that is becoming more and more widespread throughout communities 
all over the United States.
  According to the U.S. Geological Survey, groundwater is the source of 
drinking water for about half of the total U.S. population and nearly 
all of the rural population. USGS also estimates that groundwater 
provides over 50 billion gallons per day for agricultural needs. In 
order to ensure adequate water availability for our communities and our 
farmers, it is vital to advance infrastructure projects that produce 
pressure on aquifers that supply groundwater.
  In many parts of the country, water availability is at risk due to 
rates of groundwater pumping that outpace the ability of regional 
aquifers to recharge. The problem has only grown worse with the recent 
onslaught of widespread drought.
  WIFIA was passed in the 2014 WRDA bill, and is an important tool that 
will accelerate water infrastructure investment in many important water 
projects. However, the program does not provide support for alternative 
water delivery projects aimed at reducing aquifer depletion. My 
amendment to WRDA clarifies the law to ensure that these types of 
groundwater conservation projects qualify for WIFIA financing.
  Secondly, it makes a technical modification to ensure that WIFIA 
financing arrangements consider the total cost of the project, which 
will help advance projects already under construction.
  Aquifer depletion threatens our communities and industries that rely 
on a constant supply of groundwater, so it is critical to support 
investment in projects that aim to address this serious problem. 
Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition, although I am not in 
opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Oregon is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I think the gentleman has identified a 
real and continuing issue, and I suggest that Members support his 
amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the ranking member 
and express my appreciation to the chairman for his support of the 
amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Culberson

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 1__. FLOOD MITIGATION AND RIERINE RESTORATION PROGRAM.

       The Secretary shall expedite carrying out the project for 
     flood risk management, Brays Bayou, Texas, authorized by item 
     6 in section 211(f) of the Water Resources Development Act of 
     1996 (Public Law 104-303).

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Culberson) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Chairman, this simple amendment that I am offering 
today with my colleague and good friend, Congressman Al Green of 
Houston, would direct the Secretary to expedite a project that we both 
share in Houston, the Brays Bayou flood mitigation project.

                              {time}  1545

  It was authorized back in 1996. We have experienced massive flooding 
in southeast Texas, and tremendous damage to homes and businesses 
throughout the area that Congressman Green and I represent.
  It is vital that this project be completed as soon as possible. 
Expediting this project will remove 29,000 homes and businesses from a 
100-year flood plain. The project is essential to reduce the 
devastation and suffering the people of Houston and Harris County have 
experienced in recent years.
  I am proud to offer the amendment today with my colleague, Mr. Al 
Green of Houston. I want to thank the Rules Committee for making the 
amendment in order. I especially want to thank Chairman Shuster and his 
very capable committee staff for their assistance with this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairperson of the 
committee, as well as the ranking member. I am so honored to be 
associated with this amendment.
  In Houston, Texas, we have floods that total $1 billion in damages, 
and it is not unusual for this to occur within a 1-year period of time. 
We had the tax day flood and the Memorial Day flood.
  I also would call to your attention that we have lost a total of 17 
lives in the last two floods. So this amendment is going to go a long 
way toward preventing flooding. It won't end it all, but it will help 
us greatly, and it may save some lives.
  Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is very straightforward. 
We are simply expediting the funding that has already been 
appropriated, already been authorized, and already set aside for this 
project to ensure that the Corps gives the Brays Bayou project the same 
priority and the same urgency that it has, for example, with other 
projects in the area like Buffalo.
  Mr. Chairman, I am proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Al 
Green. I move passage of the amendment.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I 
am not in opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Oregon is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I congratulate the two gentlemen on a very sensitive and positive 
bipartisan amendment which expedites a critical authorized and 
appropriated project.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. DeFAZIO. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I neglected to thank Mr. 
Culberson.
  It really has been a pleasure working with Congressman Culberson on 
this project. This has been something, as

[[Page 13924]]

the gentleman knows, that our constituents have demanded that we pay 
some attention to. I hope that this will help to satisfy some of the 
concerns that have been raised that the gentleman and I have tried to 
address. So I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Culberson).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                       Amendment No. 4 Offered by
                             Mr. Farenthold

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:
  


     SEC. __. INITIATING WORK ON SEPARABLE ELEMENTS.

       With respect to a water resources development project that 
     has received construction funds in the previous 6-year 
     period, for purposes of initiating work on a separable 
     element of the project--
       (1) no new start or new investment decision shall be 
     required; and
       (2) the work shall be treated as ongoing work.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Farenthold) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Chairman, the Office of Management and Budget has 
imposed the need for a new start or a new investment determination for 
projects that have been previously fully authorized and have actually 
begun work despite a lack of written policy or standards.
  Many of these critical projects, like one in the district I 
represent, the Port of Corpus Christi Channel Improvement Project, 
which was fully authorized in WRDA 2007 and reauthorized in WRRDA 2014, 
have been halted even though parts of the project have been completed.
  The purpose of my amendment simply states that separate elements of a 
previously authorized project do not constitute a new start but are, in 
fact, a continuation and ongoing work. The new start determination and 
advancing separable elements of the entire project slows things down as 
we have to get a new start finding on every element. Slowing it down 
deprives the communities of much-needed improvements and actually 
raises the entire cost of the project. This amendment considers 
separable elements to be continuations of the fully authorized project.
  The approach taken by the OMB, with respect to considering separable 
elements as a new start, is counterproductive to the work we have been 
doing on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 
streamlining the review process, improving project delivery efforts, 
facilitating accelerated funding of projects, and reestablishing the 
Nation's trade and economic prowess with major port infrastructure 
projects like the Port of Corpus Christi.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to support this amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Farenthold).
  The amendment was agreed to.


          Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 153. LOWER BOIS D'ARC CREEK RESERVOIR PROJECT, FANNIN 
                   COUNTY, TEXAS.

       (a) Finalization Required.--Not later than September 30, 
     2017, the Secretary shall finalize all permit decisions and 
     publish all decision documents related to the construction 
     of, impoundment of water in, and operation of, the Lower Bois 
     d'Arc Creek Reservoir Project, including any associated water 
     transmission facilities, by the North Texas Municipal Water 
     District in Fannin County, Texas.
       (b) Interim Report.--Not later than June 30, 2017, the 
     Secretary shall report to Congress on the status of the 
     permit decisions and related documents described in 
     subsection (a) and whether or not the Secretary anticipates 
     being able to meet the deadline established in such 
     subsection, including, if applicable, a justification of why 
     the Secretary may fail to meet such deadline.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today, along with my 
fellow Texans, Pete Sessions, John Ratcliffe, and Eddie Bernice 
Johnson, with an amendment that is absolutely vital for north Texas.
  Mr. Chairman, north Texas is no stranger to drought. And with our 
area booming, the need for water is as great as ever. That is why for 
years the North Texas Municipal Water District has been working hard to 
get State and Federal approval to construct the Lower Bois d'Arc Creek 
Reservoir in Fannin County. In fact, they have been working at it for 
10 years.
  The good news is that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 
has already issued the State permit for this locally funded project. 
But here is the bad news: Federal bureaucrats have been holding up the 
permit for the project, specifically the EPA and Army Corps of 
Engineers.
  There is no end in sight to the delay which will lead to a manmade 
water crisis. The bottom line is there won't be enough water to meet 
demand in north Texas without this new reservoir in as few as 4 years.
  This isn't simply water for our lawns. It is about having the water 
to support our fast growing regional economy. Earlier this summer, The 
Dallas Morning News ran an editorial with the title: ``EPA's delay of 
Fannin County reservoir could threaten North Texas economy,'' which I 
include in the Record.

                [The Dallas Morning News, June 10, 2016]

   EPA's Delay of Fannin County Reservoir Could Threaten North Texas 
                                Economy

       For nearly a decade, the North Texas Municipal Water 
     District has tried to build the Lower Bois d'Arc Reservoir in 
     Fannin County to support the rapid growth in cities like 
     Frisco, Plano and other municipalities north and east of 
     Dallas.
       The project was moving forward until last year, when the 
     Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection 
     Agency abruptly shifted course at the last minute to require 
     a more detailed analysis of the environmental impact to 
     forested wetlands near the proposed reservoir. Completion of 
     the $1 billion, 16,526-acre project has been delayed from 
     2020 to possibly 2022.
       Federal environmental reviews are complicated matters, but 
     what makes this particularly disturbing is that the EPA 
     appears to be changing the rules in the middle of the process 
     without much regard to real-world consequences for North 
     Texas. The project received its state water rights approval 
     last summer and had expected to secure the necessary federal 
     permits by the end of last year. Those permits would have 
     kept the project on schedule, allowing the reservoir to open 
     in 2020 with enough capacity to provide the region with water 
     through at least 2040.
       EPA and Army Corp officials say they are only following the 
     law, but they're also making a high-stakes gamble with the 
     region's economic well-being. Even with normal North Texas 
     temperatures and rainfall, Collin County is on pace to face 
     water supply issues by 2020 unless this reservoir is 
     constructed. A major drought would be even more problematic.
       Rest assured, this issue is more serious than brown lawns 
     and restrictive watering schedules. Water rates would soar. 
     Construction would slow, and there could be tense moments for 
     sanitation and fire fighting, too. Emergency water supplies 
     would be difficult to obtain. Dallas and other neighboring 
     water districts would have their own challenges, and water 
     from outside Texas couldn't be tapped without more regulatory 
     battles and technical complications that would make supplies 
     prohibitively expensive.
       Dozens of mayors and members of Congress have pressed for 
     faster action only to be told the review will be completed on 
     the regulators' schedule. Frustrated, U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson 
     recently introduced a bill to exempt the project from the 
     Federal Water Pollution

[[Page 13925]]

     Control Act and speed up construction. We don't back this 
     bill, but, like the congressman and various other elected 
     officials, we agree that it is time for this project to move 
     forward at a faster pace.
       North Texas' population is expected to mushroom in the next 
     quarter-century. The Army Corps and EPA need to find a way to 
     allow this vital water project to be completed without 
     further delay.

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. That is why I am offering this amendment 
which would require the EPA and Army Corps to issue a final permit for 
the construction of the reservoir no later than September 30, 2017.
  North Texans want, need, and deserve this reservoir, a reservoir 
already approved by the State. I am absolutely committed to getting 
this done, and I ask all the Members to support this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in 
opposition, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Texas is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to 
express my strong support for this bipartisan amendment which would 
help the north Texas region meet its future water needs.
  The North Texas Municipal Water District has long endeavored to 
develop a reservoir project in Fannin County, Texas. This project would 
help address the growing population within the water district which is 
expected to double to 3.7 million residents within the next 50 years. 
The project would also support millions of dollars in regional economic 
growth while helping us to meet the projected north Texas water supply 
needs through 2040 and beyond.
  To date, the North Texas Municipal Water District has faced 
tremendous obstacles during the permitting process, which has hindered 
progress on this crucial project. This amendment would simply compel 
the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers to issue a final permit for the construction of the reservoir 
no later than September 30 of next year.
  The Texas delegation has a long history of coming together and 
reaching across the aisle to accomplish great things for our State. The 
process behind this amendment was no different, and I am proud to work 
with my colleagues to offer this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from Texas, 
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. She and I have been friends 
forever.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Sessions), my good friend.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I want to stand before this body and 
thank the gentleman, Sam Johnson, and the gentlewoman, Eddie Bernice 
Johnson, for their support in this important effort.
  Mr. Chairman, what we are doing here today is most important. We are 
trying to prepare for future generations of people who will be living 
in Texas who want and need to make sure that we have water reservoirs 
that are available and prepared for that growth that will occur. This 
is not a partisan issue, and it is not a political issue. It is a 
regional issue. It is something that we have worked on very diligently.
  Congressman Sam Johnson and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson have 
gathered together, and we have worked to make sure that as we talk 
about this project we have worked with the EPA, we have worked with the 
Corps of Engineers, we have worked with the North Texas Municipal Water 
District, and we have made sure that during this process that we have 
all stuck to our word.
  This opportunity that we have today is to make sure that we stick to 
our word, that all of the organizations who have worked with us know 
that we have set a date by which this must be done. There are lots of 
ways for people to slip out, find problems, and ignore the things which 
are team oriented.
  I think that what Sam Johnson is doing here today makes real sense, 
and that is why last night at the Rules Committee I made sure that we 
not only made this in order today, but that we can do this together.
  I want to thank the gentlewoman from Dallas, Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson), and the gentleman from Plano, Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), for 
the work that they have done. I thank the gentleman for the time that 
he has yielded me.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have no further 
comments. I just wish to request support for this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank both of you all and 
all our Dallas delegation, the Texas delegation really, for this 
interest.
  My commonsense amendment is intended to prevent a real water crisis--
which we are getting close to--by getting the Federal Government to 
finally issue the needed permit for this vital local reservoir project. 
I ask all my colleagues to support this amendment. Please pass this 
amendment. Let's get the water north Texas needs.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson).
  The amendment was agreed to.

                              {time}  1600


                 Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Ribble

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 
printed in House Report 114-794.
  Mr. RIBBLE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 1__. CONSIDERATION OF USE OF NATURAL AND NATURE-BASED 
                   FEATURE.

        In carrying out the design, construction, maintenance, 
     repair, and rehabilitation of development projects, including 
     flood risk reduction, coastal resiliency, and ecosystem 
     restoration projects, the Secretary shall ensure that 
     appropriate consideration is given to the use of natural and 
     nature-based features.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 897, the gentleman 
from Wisconsin (Mr. Ribble) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin.
  Mr. RIBBLE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  My amendment is very simple. It is a 40-word technical correction 
from my perspective. This amendment simply states that the Secretary of 
the U.S. Corps of Engineers needs to consider--it doesn't mandate 
anything--it just says they should consider the use of natural and 
nature-based products when they are looking at various scopes of work.
  Let me give you an example, Mr. Chairman. I serve the Eighth 
Congressional District of Wisconsin and Green Bay is in my district. 
The waters of Green Bay have been affected by overflows of phosphorus 
and various nutrients. In this case, as part of the mitigation of 
trying to retain that phosphorus on the ground rather than in the bay, 
the Corps of Engineers could use natural berms. They could use weeds 
and grasses and different landscaping methods that are both 
aesthetically and technically better in this case.
  So my amendment simply says that in this case the Secretary should 
allow consideration of these products. Not recommend them, not push 
them, not advocate for them, but simply have them in their 
consideration as they carry out the design, construction, maintenance, 
repair, and rehabilitation of water resources in this country.
  This amendment is supported by the American Council of Engineering 
Companies, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, the 
American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Landscape 
Architects, and about ten others or so.
  Mr. Chairman, that is the scope of the amendment.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page 13926]]


  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, though I 
am not in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Oregon is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to congratulate the gentleman on his persistence. This is a 
very commonsense amendment and it could have tremendous benefits 
nationwide. It is great policy. I congratulate him for his persistence 
because this amendment was rejected in committee, but things seem 
different on the floor, and that is great.
  I urge our colleagues to support this fully.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RIBBLE. Mr. Chairman, I also thank the ranking member for his 
words. I want to thank Chairman Shuster as well for recognizing that 
this amendment has merit.
  I recommend that my colleagues support this amendment.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ribble).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Committee will rise informally.
  The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Woodall) assumed the chair.

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