Hearing of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of 2008
REP. JOHNSON: (Sounds gavel.) The committee will come to order. Good afternoon. This hearing of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will come to order and begin to work on a water resources development act of 2008. Enactment of a new water resources bill is a high priority of mine and, I am certain, of all of our committee members.
Last year, this committee on a bipartisan basis was successful in clearing out close to seven years worth of project studies, new authorizations and project modifications. This was a historic achievement and one that had been elusive since year 2000. In fact, I believe that the presidential veto that occurred last year was the first veto of a water resources development act, and only the 107th veto override in the history of this nation.
I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle -- thank you -- short of breath; I've been running to get here -- for their hard work and dedication to inventing -- investing in the water-related infrastructure of the nation. I want to take this opportunity, again, to recognize my former subcommittee colleague, Mr. Baker, for efforts in resolving some of the last-minute sticking points on the Water Resources and Development Act of 2007.
I also look forward to working with our newest working -- ranking member, Mr. Boozman, whom I consider a very good friend, cordial and bipartisan -- work of putting together this water resources bill.
Water-related infrastructure should not be a partisan issue. These flood control, navigation, environmental restoration and other water-related projects are far too important to our constituents, our local economies and American people's lives and livelihoods.
This afternoon we will receive testimony from distinguished members of Congress, the administration and interested stakeholders regarding projects and policies for consideration in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act. Our intent today is to receive testimony and gather information and individual project requests over the next several weeks so that we can be in a position to move a new bill after -- later in the summer.
This is no small task, but given the growing needs and opportunities to improve our water transportation infrastructure and restore the environment, we must rise to the challenge and move forward without delay.
As noted by Secretary Woodley in his testimony today, public policy is much improved when the congressional authorization and oversight processes are robust and effective. I agree with this statement and I believe that it is consistent with this committee's efforts to have a water resources bill signed into law this year.
It is my hope that after seeing the strong bipartisan, bicameral support for investment in our nation's water-related infrastructure, should the president be presented with a new water resources bill later this year, he will sign it.
I yield to my ranking member, the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Boozman, for any comments he would like to make.
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