Graves Helps Pass 2016 House WRDA Bill

Press Release

U.S. Representative Sam Graves this evening voted to support the 2016 Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The bill cleared the House by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 399-25.

"America's water resources infrastructure provides protections to businesses and peace of mind to farmers," said Rep. Graves, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over this issue. "But more importantly, it ensures we can remain competitive in the global economy. More than a quarter of our annual GDP comes from international trade, but without our ports, dams, and inland harbors, U.S. businesses would not be able to get their products to foreign markets."

There are over 600 million tons of cargo, worth over $230 billion, that move through America's inland waterways every year. The 2016 Water Resources Development Act of 2016 makes investments in America's water resources infrastructure -- all of which is offset with cuts to previous spending -- preserving the movement of cargo and America's export economy.

"I was proud tonight to support a bill that focuses on a true American priority, investing in infrastructure that is absolutely essential to our economy," Rep. Graves continued. "The bill guarantees that products manufactured anywhere in the United States can be shipped across oceans, that our crops can feed people in every corner of the world, and that export opportunities for American small businesses can continue to grow."

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