Waiving Points of Order Against Conference Report on H.R. 2419, Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006

WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2419, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (House of Representatives - November 09, 2005)

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Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding me this time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I look forward to today's consideration of H.R. 2419, which reflects much thought and long-term planning on behalf of the Committee on Appropriations. This year's energy and water bill means a great deal to my constituents in my hometown of Sacramento.

This year, we pointedly witnessed just how important the water funding included in the energy and water appropriations funding legislation is. And we must now embrace the lessons this year's unprecedented hurricane season have taught us about the essential need to invest in our Nation's flood control infrastructure, dollars that are necessary to examine, maintain and strengthen our levee and dam systems.

Federal officials must look expeditiously at the significant role infrastructure plays to reduce catastrophic loss in a flood event. I commend the committee for calling on the Corps of Engineers to identify and create a list of the Nation's 10 most critical water resource needs in the country.

While hurricane season has ended, the flooding season in Sacramento and all of California will begin shortly. And as I have consistently spoken about the unacceptable risk of flooding my constituents face, I am certain you understand the concern I have about this upcoming season. Despite years of dedicated efforts, Sacramento still remains one of the most flood-prone and threatened cities in the country, paling in comparison to the level of protection enjoyed by other river cities.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento's flood risk is among the highest of urban areas in the country. This bill makes a significant investment in Sacramento's flood reduction efforts. It keeps the region on track to achieve our short-term goal, through levee work, of reaching 100-year protection. Moreover, this legislation ensures our other projects move forward, through which Sacramento will more than double the current level of flood protection. This increased protection is essential.

With thousands of lives and the capital of the Nation's largest State at risk, the need for this critically important investment is clear. We cannot afford to delay this work. This legislation recognizes the immediate need for progress on our flood control by directing our Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to continue the collaborative work addressing improvements to Folsom Dam. On behalf of Sacramento, I appreciate their dedication to this goal.

Each of our flood control partners, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the State of California, recognize the dire need for improved flood control and have personally invested in finding a solution; and I thank them for this. They, as I, who live in Sacramento, understand that lives are at risk and delays only add to our vulnerability.

I cannot proceed without also expressing my gratitude to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle), and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky). Their commitment to improving our Nation's water infrastructure is evident in this legislation. I thank both of California's Senators for their efforts on Sacramento and California's flood control needs. I appreciate Senator Feinstein's leadership in the conference committee. To the energy and water appropriations staff, particularly Peder Maarbjerg and John Blazey, your long hours and hard work are much appreciated.

Their efforts reflect not only the incredible investments that must be made to improve our infrastructure across the Nation, but also an acknowledgment that we must wisely spend each dollar. This legislation adds new measures to ensure that the Corps manages each dollar efficiently.

To improve the execution of projects, the Corps is directed to develop a 5-year comprehensive budget plan and vision for water infrastructure in the country to comprehensively integrate financial planning and project management. Further, while the Corps will still have the flexibility to occasionally shift project funding as needed, the Corps will no longer be able to consistently use this practice.

By working together, the Congress, the administration, and the Corps of Engineers will be better prepared to ensured that limited Federal resources are spent efficiently, commitments to local sponsors are honored, and projects remain on schedule.

This bill moves our country forward on many levels, from improving local water infrastructure to bigger-picture Corps of Engineer financial management and efficiency issues.

In light of the realities our Nation faced this year, I hope Congress will continue this commitment to public safety and significantly invest in water infrastructure. I strongly support the underlying conference report and look forward to voting in support of the measure.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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