LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
WRDA Reauthorization
On Wednesday, September 11, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unveiled the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013. The bi-partisan bill lists Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), Water Resources Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-OH), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Tim Bishop (D-NY) as the original sponsors. The bill contains no earmarks, sets up a new process for project authorizations in light of the earmark ban, and makes extensive reforms to streamline and expedite the Army Corps project development process, including allowing local sponsors to make greater use of local funding to carry out authorized projects in advance of federal financial participation. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is planning to mark up WRRDA on Thursday, September 19 and take it to the Floor the week of October 7.
This Week’s Hearings:
- Wednesday, September 18: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing titled “Implementing MAP-21’s Provisions to Accelerate Project Delivery.”
- Wednesday, September 18: The Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development will hold a hearing titled “Recovering from Superstorm Sandy: Assessing the Progress, Continuing Needs, and Rebuilding Strategy.”
- Wednesday, September 18: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management will hold a hearing titled “FEMA Reauthorization: Recovering Quicker and Smarter.”
