James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just to support the NDAA but some other provisions that are contained therein, one of which is very important to this country, as well, and that is the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, or WRDA, as we know it.

Continuing the bipartisan, biennial tradition, in May, WRDA 2022 passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a voice vote. Later in June, it passed this Chamber with an overwhelming vote of 384- 37. Since then, of course, we have been working with our Senate colleagues to finalize this very important piece of legislation.

WRDA came together with input from Members from all across the country and is an example of what can happen when Congress works together to find solutions for their constituents and the American public.

This year's WRDA authorizes several Chief's reports, studies, and environmental infrastructure projects. It brings focus and priority to many important projects in my home State of North Carolina and throughout the country to better protect our communities from flooding.

The legislation also supports fundamental Corps missions, such as navigation and storm damage reduction, which in turn support our economy and help keep the supply chain moving, literally.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to help craft this important bill, with critical input from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I especially want to thank Chairman DeFazio and Chair Napolitano, as well as Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito, for their leadership and work on this vital, very commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I appreciate their doing so.

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