Investments in water resources infrastructure are investments in the long-term strength and security of the nation.
Reliable, well-maintained water resources infrastructure is fundamental to America’s economic and environmental well-being and is essential to maintaining our nation’s competitive position within the global economy. Our water resources infrastructure provides life-saving flood control, needed water supplies, shore protection, water-based recreation, environmental restoration, and hydropower production. Moreover, waterways transportation is the safest, most energy-efficient and environmentally sound mode of moving freight.
We applaud Congress’s efforts to eliminate wasteful spending, especially given today’s fiscal challenges. But deferring to the Executive Branch the sole prerogative over which projects to initiate, which should receive funding, and the level and priority of funding for each, abdicates Congress’s constitutional role. Such action has resulted in the stoppage, interruption and delay of critical projects. Moreover, the Administration’s priorities, as reflected in the Budget, have seldom been set through an open, deliberative process as have those that have withstood the heavy scrutiny of the congressional committee system.
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