Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-1), a Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA):

“Today, the House passed legislation that is fiscally responsible while supporting trade, manufacturing, and job growth at home in Arkansas. Ports and waterways like those in Arkansas’ First District are critical in keeping American businesses competitive and bolstering America’s standing as a global trade and manufacturing powerhouse. As other nations continue to build out infrastructure systems to compete with American producers, we must continue the maintenance and improvement of these waterways while remaining conscious of budgetary constraints.

“This bill has been lauded as the most fiscally responsible waterways legislation ever considered, de-authorizing $12 billion of outdated or unnecessary projects while cutting red tape to greatly reduce the time and taxpayer funds it takes to complete water resources projects. Nearly one-third of America’s GDP is generated from international trade, 99% of which passes through American ports every year, supporting 30 million jobs. I am proud to support this legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues to see its enactment into law.”

Historically, Congress has considered waterways legislation every 2 years – yet the last bill to pass into law was enacted in 2007. As a Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Crawford has played a leading role in the renewed push for waterways legislation in supporting the Water Resources Reform & Development Act alongside full Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (PA-9) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (OH-7).