Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, this reauthorization is long overdue. There is no better way to put people back to work and stimulate our economy than to invest in our Nation's infrastructure.

In my home, the 10th District of Illinois, there are $235 million in projects that are waiting to get under way. The multiplier effect that these projects will have in our communities cannot be overstated.

This bill makes a number of reforms that will benefit the communities in Illinois that I represent. It will, for the first time, recognize the Great Lakes Navigation System as the single system that it is. It will ensure that a portion of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is dedicated to small harbors like the one I represent in Waukegan.

This bill is not perfect. I certainly have objections to some of the environmental streamlining provisions. That said, this bill is a great example of the progress that can be made when both sides come to the table and find common ground.

I believe there is still more to be done to safeguard our environment in the underlying bill, and I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking member as this bill moves through the conference to ensure that adequate environmental protections are maintained in the final measure.

I thank the gentleman and look forward to passing this bill.

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