Conference Report Water Resources Reform and Development Act

Floor Speech

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted in support of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (H.R. 3080) Conference Report. Unfortunately, I attended the funeral for a family member and missed the vote.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' mission, ensuring our nation's waterways have the resources to improve infrastructure and create jobs while providing flood protection and environmental restoration. Long overdue, the conference report to H.R. 3080 will ensure economic growth for years to come.

I'm pleased that the conference report includes my language addressing the threat of Asian carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins and tributaries. The Fish and Wildlife Service in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, and the Geological Survey will lead a multiagency preventative effort working with state and local governments. These federal agencies will provide critical technical assistance, coordination, best practices, and support to slow and eventually eliminate the threat posed by Asian carp.

I want to thank the coalition of governmental agencies, private, and non-governmental organizations that have supported my bill. Particularly, I want to thank the Upper River Services, LLC, Water Ways Council, National Wildlife Federation, and Trout Unlimited.

I look forward to working with these groups and the Administration to implement this language and to ensure that our communities have the resources and tools they need to better respond to the dangers posed by these invasive species.

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