WRDA Passes 93-1 in Senate, Heads for Conference
View SourceWashington, D.C.—By a vote of 93 to 1, the Senate approved its version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 by amending the version passed easily by the House in June.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded the “impressive” Senate vote, which sent H.R. 7776 back to his chamber.
No doubt hoping for a smooth ride to final congressional approval, DeFazio noted the “many similarities” the two versions of the bill share.
He added that he looks forward to working with senators to pass the fifth biennial WRDA bill in a row.
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, also expressed hope WRDA 2022 will be sent to President Biden’s desk soon.
Although Carper’s panel previously voted unanimously to advance its WRDA to the Senate floor, the House bill once again was used as the legislative vehicle to move forward with the Senate’s substitute amendment.
Informal talks at the staff level already have been held on resolving differences between the two versions, and congressional backers hope the bill will win final congressional approval in early September.
Such an optimistic timetable also would be welcomed by WRDA supporters outside of Congress.
In June, Waterways Council Inc. President and CEO Tracy Zea cited history that suggests WRDA 2022 may not be signed into law until after the November elections.
