Late this evening, the House of Representatives voted on the Water Resources Reform Development Act (WRRDA). The legislation passed by a vote of 417 to 3. Congressman Randy Weber (R-Friendswood) made the following statement:

“As a member of Congress with five ports in my district, it is imperative that we cultivate a process that allows our ports and waterways to create and sustain jobs while improving America’s competitiveness on a global level. The Water Resources Reform Development Act is a smart solution to reduce burdensome red-tape, increase accountability and promote a stronger economy. Nearly one third of our economy depends on international trade, and 99 percent of that trade passes through our nation’s ports. It is critically important that our ports and waterways run efficiently and are properly maintained.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. Congress has the power, laid out by our Founding Fathers, to regulate interstate commerce. This legislation is a fiscally responsible solution that reduces burdensome red-tape, increases accountability and promotes a stronger economy. It contains no earmarks, de-authorizes old and inactive projects to the tune of $12 billion, and maximizes the ability of private and other local interests to contribute their own funds to move projects forward.

This legislation will improve competition and navigation by authorizing needed infrastructure projects around the country including Freeport Harbor and the Sabine-Neches Waterway in Texas. These public-private navigation projects will allow larger ships to reach our ports and energy and manufacturing centers, thereby allowing the United States to lead the world in private investments that create and keep jobs here at home.”

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