Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1478, a bill which designates U.S. Route 20 as the ``National Medal of Honor Highway.'' I also thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) for sponsoring the House companion bill which is H.R. 3149. The Medal of Honor is an award presented to servicemembers who go above and beyond the call of duty and risk their own lives to protect the United States. Formally designating U.S. Route 20 as the ``National Medal of Honor Highway'' honors all 3,519 recipients of the Medal of Honor and all future recipients. U.S. Route 20 is the longest continuous highway in our Nation, spanning 3,365 miles across 12 States. As people travel along U.S. Route 20, through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, they will be reminded of the recipients and their exemplary service to the United States. This bill is supported by The American Legion, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Legion of Valor, Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), who sponsored the House companion bill.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, this bill honors the brave men and women who go above and beyond to protect the United States. I commend Representative Mike Kelly for leading the House effort to honor our servicemembers. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee favorably reported the House companion legislation for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can send it to the President's desk and get it signed into law. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3475) to amend title 49, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Transportation to designate an authorized operator of the commercial driver's license information system, and for other purposes.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 3475.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 3475, the Strengthening the Commercial Driver's License Information System Act, is important legislation and ensures that States are able to continue to share commercial motor vehicle operator's driving records. The Commercial Driver's License Information System, or the CDLIS, has long been maintained and operated by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, AAMVA on behalf of the States. The system allows States to share information with one another, preventing commercial motor vehicle operators from holding multiple commercial driver's licenses, or CDLs, in different States. CDLIS is used to maintain the principle of one commercial motor vehicle license per every one commercial motor vehicle driver. Traditionally, States paid user fees directly to AAMVA, and the fees were used to maintain and update CDLIS. In 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration interpreted the existing statute and ruled that fees could no longer be paid by the States directly to AAMVA and, instead, must go to the Federal Government, leaving CDLIS with no real funding mechanism. There have been additional concerns raised that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would need to directly operate and request new funding for a system that was previously self-sufficient. This bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to designate an authorized operator of the Commercial Driver's License Information System, which would allow States to again pay fees directly to AAMVA and continue operating under the status quo. The bill is supported by AAMVA and the American Trucking Associations. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening the Commercial Driver's License Information System Act ensures that States can continue to rely on the Commercial Driver's License Information System. This system is crucial to maintaining the principle of one commercial motor vehicle driver to one commercial motor vehicle license. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 4367) to provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support WRDA 2024 and its objectives of improving America's infrastructure, reforming project processes, and ensuring that we are better stewards of the taxpayers' money. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 4367, as amended, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 4367, as amended, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which is a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that is going to help address infrastructure needs across the country. Earlier this year, the House advanced H.R. 8812, the House-developed WRDA bill, with a strong bipartisan vote of 359-13. I thank Ranking Member Rick Larsen; Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair David Rouzer; Ranking Member Grace Napolitano; and our Senate colleagues, Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito, for all of their hard work in developing and negotiating this final product. It is important to note that, with WRDA 2024, we are continuing the bipartisan, bicameral tradition of passing a WRDA bill every 2 years, something that we have done since 2014. The bipartisan legislation provides necessary authority and direction to the corps to carry out its mission to maintain and improve our water resource infrastructure, from ports to levees to navigation channels. It also makes policy and programmatic reforms to streamline processes, reduce cumbersome red tape, and get water resource projects done faster. The bill is a big win, in particular, for levee districts across the country. Encroachments that don't impact the structural integrity of the levee can now be grandfathered in for both Federal and non-Federal levee districts. It also rejects the corps' latest P.L. 84-99 rule, preventing them from kicking levee districts out for failing to complete irrelevant disaster preparedness exercises. These exercises encompass everything you can think of except for operations and maintenance, which is what levee districts should be focused on. The legislation also reauthorizes and modernizes the Economic Development Administration, or the EDA, including removing hurdles to broadband, manufacturing, and workforce development, and ensuring that the EDA works better for small, rural communities. It builds in strong oversight and transparency of Federal economic development programs to ensure that these programs are more accountable to the American taxpayer. The legislation also includes critical reforms to how we manage Federal real estate, with the potential to save taxpayers billions of dollars by setting benchmarks for space utilization, directing the sale and consolidation of unused space, and strengthening congressional oversight of Federal building projects. This bill also includes provisions to address concerns raised over the past several years by State departments of transportation surrounding a process known as August redistribution by redistributing unobligated balances under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, commonly called TIFIA, which provides for much-needed relief and flexibility to our State DOTs. Finally, I include in the Record a statement of extended views of the chairman and ranking member, which provide additional direction and clarity to the corps about how we intend for this legislation to be implemented. explanatory statement to accompany division a of the house amendment to s. 4367, the thomas r. carper water resources development act of 2024, division a, the water resources development act of 2024 S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 as passed by the Senate and amended by the House of Representatives is the legislative vehicle for the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This explanatory statement, submitted on behalf of Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, reflects the view of the Chairman and Ranking Member responsible for managing negotiations to develop a final version of WRDA 2024, hereafter in this statement referred to as ``the managers.'' This statement of the managers describes the intent of the final legislation. Background: WRDA 2024 primarily addresses the Civil Works program of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The bill supports the Nation's global economic competitiveness and environmental resilience by authorizing the Corps to undertake projects, programs, and initiatives in their Civil Works program relating to navigation, ecosystem restoration, flood and coastal storm risk management, hydropower, recreation, emergency management, and water supply. A water resources development act (WRDA) is the authorizing legislation for the programs and projects of the Corps' Civil Works program. Ideally enacted every two years, such an act is the main vehicle for authorizing water resources development projects to be studied, planned, and developed by the Corps. WRDAs typically authorize new water resources development projects pursuant to completed feasibility study reports from the Chief of Engineers, modifications to existing projects pursuant to reports from the Director of Civil Works, other modifications to existing projects, study authorizations for new projects, the authorization of miscellaneous projects consistent with the Corps' programs that also demonstrate a Federal interest, and other programmatic changes to the Corps' authorities. Projects and programs contained in WRDAs fall within one or more of the Corps' Civil Works' missions and authorities, which include navigation, ecosystem restoration, flood and coastal storm risk management, hydropower, recreation, regulatory, emergency management, and water supply. General Overview of WRDA 2024: WRDA 2024 builds on a long-standing commitment to address the Nation's water resources challenges, primarily through the efforts of the Corps. WRDA 2024 aims to enhance the Corps' ability to deliver critical water infrastructure projects efficiently, meeting the diverse needs of river and coastal navigation, flood and hurricane storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, water supply, ecosystem restoration, recreation, hydropower, and disaster response and recovery. WRDA 2024 authorizes for construction 22 projects and project modifications based on reports submitted to Congress by the Secretary or the Chief of Engineers. These projects address various mission areas of the Corps, including ecosystem restoration, flood and coastal storm risk management, navigation, and water storage for water supply. Discussion on Specific WRDA 2024 Provisions: WRDA 2024 increases the per-project and programmatic authorization limits for continuing authorities programs (CAPs) for small projects that require no additional Congressional authorization. Congress recognizes the importance of CAPs, while acknowledging the impact of inflation on infrastructure projects. These changes ensure that critical projects receive adequate funding from the start, reducing the need for piecemeal approaches and enabling more robust, long-term solutions. Section 1108 creates a new CAP for stormwater management projects, emphasizing the growing demand for addressing stormwater issues in communities, and highlighting opportunities for integration of water resources management through reclamation, recycling, and reuse of flood water and stormwater associated with projects. This inclusion recognizes the increasing challenges posed by larger and stronger storms, which cause severe flooding and associated damage in urban and rural areas alike. WRDA 2024 authorizes the Corps to be more flexible and responsive to stormwater management, while also making it easier for communities to qualify for and receive Federal assistance. This change highlights the program's adaptability to local needs and its commitment to proactive flood risk management, which is crucial for protecting lives, property, and the environment in the face of changing climate patterns and urban development pressures. WRDA 2024 augments the Corps' authority to address infrastructure resilience to increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as increased precipitation and droughts. As noted earlier, WRDA 2024 creates opportunities, where appropriate, to reclaim, treat, and reuse flood and stormwater associated with projects to further enhance the resiliency of communities. Similarly, this legislation amends the authority for Project Modifications for Improvement of the Environment (33 U.S.C. 2309a) to authorize the Secretary to modify existing Corps' projects to enhance drought resiliency. Under this modified authority, the Secretary would be authorized to carry out modifications to existing water resources development projects, such as enhanced water conservation measures, removal of excess sediment, the planting of native vegetation, and other actions to increase drought resilience, water conservation, and water availability. The Community Revitalization Program (enacted as Section 165(a) of WRDA 2020) has been made permanent, ensuring long- term support for community-led efforts to revitalize and enhance local infrastructure. This stability provides support for projects that address critical needs, promote sustainable development, and improve overall community well-being. Increasing the number of projects that can be carried out through this program provides all communities across the Nation with greater access to Corps expertise in addressing local water resources challenges, enabling communities of all economic means to undertake vital projects that might otherwise be unaffordable. Such investments lead to improved local economies, enhanced quality of life, and greater resilience to future challenges, Section 1107(a) creates a new pilot program for alternative delivery for CAP projects. This new CAP delivery process focuses on accelerating the delivery of projects through the use of methods such as progressive design-build and construction manager at risk approaches to project delivery, with a goal of enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness. Similarly, Section 1105 of WRDA 2024 introduces reforms to enhance consistency and efficiency within the Corps to modify existing water resources development projects under Section 408. These policy modifications will provide non-Federal entities with clear, consistent, and timely recommendations, ensuring uniformity across Corps Districts. Non-Federal entities may request pre-application meetings to clarify technical requirements, determine optimal design package submissions, and address potential concerns or conflicts with proposed actions. In addition to establishing the new alternative delivery CAP, Sections 1109 and 1110 of WRDA 2024 amend Sections 203 and 204 of WRDA 1986, respectively, to clarify and enhance the responsibilities of non-Federal interests in conducting studies and construction activities for authorized projects. These amendments provide clear guidelines and expectations, ensuring efficient processes and effective project oversight. WRDA 2024 marks a pivotal advancement in infrastructure development policy, introducing strategic reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery across the Nation. Through targeted policy changes, this legislation empowers the Corps to better manage processes, optimize resource allocation, and foster greater collaboration with non-Federal entities. These not only prioritize timely project completion but also ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested judiciously, supporting sustainable infrastructure solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities nationwide. In response to concerns received by the Committee regarding the appropriate use of real estate interests by the Corps for project purposes, Section 1104 of WRDA 2024 modifies the requirements for minimum real estate interests. The Committee recognizes that in some instances, the Corps has utilized higher levels of real estate instruments than necessary for project objectives, thereby increasing project costs and administrative burdens. WRDA 2024 mandates a recalibration of minimum real estate interests, ensuring that the Corps utilizes instruments that are more proportionate to project needs, rather than defaulting to fee simple ownership. This adjustment aims to optimize project efficiency and cost- effectiveness by requiring the use of lesser interests when feasible and appropriate. The intent behind this change is to align the Corps real estate practices more closely with project requirements, promoting the use of alternatives that provide sufficient control and access while minimizing unnecessary acquisition costs and administrative complexities. Section 1146 of WRDA 2024 establishes a Systemwide Improvement Plan to assist non-Federal entities in achieving compliance with the P.L. 84-99 program by requiring that the Corps work with non-Federal interests to develop comprehensive compliance plans. The Committee recognizes the critical importance of water supply and water resiliency efforts to the nation's health, economy, and security. Accordingly, Section 1161 of WRDA 2024 instructs the Corps to prioritize and maximize water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency efforts that are in alignment with the authorized purposes of water resources development projects, including study and construction efforts, as well as efforts to modernize project operations, consistent with authorized project purposes, in response to local water resources needs and challenges. This section underscores the necessity of prioritizing and funding water supply projects and initiatives and ensuring that the Corps is empowered and directed to address the Nation's water resource needs. Similarly, Section 1164 authorizes the Secretary to maximize water supply efforts as the primary project purpose of certain water resources development projects during a drought emergency in the project area The Committee also recognizes the commitment to public service and the development of the Nation's water resources by the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano, and designates Subtitle B of this Act, which contains several policy provisions championed by Congresswoman Napolitano, collectively as the Grace F. Napolitano Priority for Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency Act of 2024. Section 1140 of WRDA 2024 expands the types of projects available to Tribes under the Tribal Partnership Program, recognizing the unique needs and priorities of Tribal communities. The Committee recognizes that Indian Tribes in certain states, including the State of Washington, often benefit from projects that are constructed off tribal lands and includes a pilot program that allows the Tribal Partnership Program to be utilized for projects constructed in proximity to a river system or other aquatic habitat within the State of Washington with respect to which an Indian Tribe, an inter-tribal consortium, or a Tribal organization has Tribal treaty rights. Section 1303 of WRDA 2024, as amended, extends the authorization for the pilot program established under Section 118 of WRDA 2020 for additional years, allowing additional communities access to the benefits provided by this program. Section 1206 includes an annual reporting requirement on the operations and maintenance costs and needs at harbors and inland harbors, the distribution of funds from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and a list of unmet needs at harbors. This requirement will provide the Committee with a continuous baseline and understanding of the infrastructure needs at our Nation's harbors, as well as the Corps' implementation of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund allocations directed by Section 102 of WRDA 2020. WRDA 2024 also amends Sections 101(a) and (b) of WRDA 1986 to increase the depth at which Federal ports and harbors projects can receive Federal support for construction and operation and maintenance. This will help ports and harbors modernize and stay competitive on the global stage, allowing more goods and services to be delivered into our country and exported around the world. Additionally, this legislation expands existing programs at the Corps that support emerging harbors (Section 1129), remote and subsistence harbors (Section 1147), and underserved community harbors (Section 1356), which are often critical to the economic well-being of local communities. Section 1126 of WRDA 2024 also updates the percentages of funding for inland waterways navigation projects cost-shared from direct appropriations and the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF). This change will help the industries and services that rely on a robust inland waterways network to remain at the forefront of national and international trade. Section 1130 of WRDA 2024 encourages additional beneficial reuse of dredged materials by making the program permanent, increasing the use of regional sediment management plans, and codifying the Corps' goal of beneficially using 70 percent of dredged material. The Committee notes that ecosystem restoration efforts in McKay Bay, Florida could be advanced through greater beneficial use of sediment, as directed by this section. Section 1133 of WRDA 2024 amends Section 214 of WRDA 2000 to include Indian Tribes. The Committee is aware that the Corps has not yet implemented changes to the Section 214 program as amended by WRDA 2022. Section 8135 of WRDA 2022 expanded the Section 214 process to allow the funds to be utilized towards the review of proposed mitigation bank sites and mitigation banking instruments, under which the Corps evaluates a proposed mitigation bank against certain requirements and determines potential creditable value. The Corps interpretation of the statute is that they only have the ability to utilize Section 214 funds towards processing construction permits for mitigation banks, not the approval of the site as a mitigation bank or the mitigation banking instrument. The Committee finds this contrary to the plain language of the WRDA 2022 language and hopes correcting this interpretation can be addressed administratively and aligned with Congressional intent. Section 1351 of WRDA 2024 provides for an updated cost share for an ongoing feasibility study for water supply, Washington, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Given the importance of a secondary water source for the Nation's capital and its national security implications, the Committee directs the Corps to implement Section 1351 without delaying the ongoing feasibility study. As noted earlier, WRDA 2024 authorizes for construction 22 projects and project modifications based on reports submitted to Congress by the Secretary or the Chief of Engineers, including the navigation project for Oakland Harbor, California. The Committee notes that the Chief's Report for the harbor improvement project at the Port of Oakland does not include the request of the non-Federal interest to cost share the use of electric dredges. The Committee notes that the Corps approved the cost-shared use of electric dredges when constructing the deepening project at the Port in 1999. The use of electric dredges is a unique opportunity to use a commercially viable alternative to achieve additional air quality improvement that will benefit the local population and is strongly supported by the non-Federal interest for the project. The Committee urges the Corps of Engineers to more diligently advocate for and include provisions in Chief's Reports requested by the non-federal interests. Other Policy Matters: The House committee report on H.R. 8812, its WRDA 2024 bill, includes direction on implementation of previously enacted authorities. To the extent consistent with the Act and this statement, the Committee intends for the Secretary to follow the direction on previously enacted authorities provided in that report. This includes but is not limited to the items listed hereafter: After Action Reviews.--The Committee recognizes that the Corps performs after action reviews following completion of each project; however, it understands that the results from those reviews are not shared amongst the Corps' various Districts and Divisions. The Committee encourages the Corps to develop a database for sharing lessons learned internally from after action reviews in a format that is helpful to other Corps project teams, such as being searchable by project feature. Allegheny River, Pennsylvania.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the Allegheny River to the inland waterways network and to the movement of freight. In carrying out the study pursuant to Section 1201(a)(134), the Secretary is encouraged to coordinate with relevant Federal agencies and a broad array of stakeholders to consider opportunities for waterway freight diversification, multi-modal facility development, and other economic development opportunities for the continued viability of the Allegheny River Corridor, Pennsylvania. Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, Dredge Material Management Plan.-- Ensuring adequate dredged material placement capacity for ports along Lake Erie is essential to adhere to the State of Ohio's law prohibiting the open lake placement of dredged material. The Committee continues to encourage the Corps to maximize the beneficial use of dredged material and plan for the long-term management of dredged material in Lake Erie, particularly in Cleveland Harbor, which is expected to reach its current dredged material capacity by 2029. The Committee notes that the interim Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) for Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, has been under development since 2017 and that the development of the full 20-year DMMP has been delayed. The Committee encourages the Corps to expeditiously complete a DMMP, no later than 2025, for Cleveland Harbor and evaluate the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy project as a locally led, long- term dredged material placement site. Coastal Mapping Program.--The Committee underscores that Section 8110 of WRDA 2022 authorized the Corps to carry out a national coastal mapping study and receive funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-42). In addition, the Committee notes that flood risk in coastal floodplains can be equally affected by impacts from tidally- influenced waterways as well as by non-tidal riverine and precipitation influences. Accordingly, the Committee encourages the Corps to examine potential coastal impacts from both tidal and non-tidal waterbodies (including wetlands, streams, and rivers) in conducing comprehensive watershed assessments. Coordination with the 3D Hydrography Program.--The 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP), led by the United States Geological Survey, utilizes cutting-edge mapping and geographic information system technologies to provide comprehensive data on our Nation. The Committee encourages the Corps to continue coordination with this program and utilize 3DHP data, as appropriate, in the development and evaluation of water resource projects. Corps-Operated Dams for Hydropower.--The Committee is aware that Power Marketing Agencies often utilize Corps-operated dams for the production of hydropower. The Committee continues to maintain that no action by the Secretary in carrying out the Corps of Engineers' primary mission areas preempts the Administrator of a Power Marketing Agency from setting rates for the sale of electric power and energy pursuant to Section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944, except in the circumstance Congress has specified that monies appropriated to the Corps of Engineers must be repaid by hydropower customers within a prescribed time period. Deauthorizations.--Section 1301 of the bill establishes a process for the deauthorization of certain water resources development projects not yet initiated or appropriated. The Committee notes that the following projects continue to have support from the associated non-Federal interest and should not be included in any list to deauthorize water resources projects pursuant to this section: (1) The project for environmental restoration, Matilija Dam, Ventura County, California, authorized by section 1001(10) of WRDA 2007 (121 Stat. 1051). (2) The project for flood damage reduction, Santa Barbara streams, Lower Mission Creek, California, authorized by section 101(b) of WRDA 2000 (114 Stat. 2577). (3) San Francisco Bay to Stockton Navigation Improvement: Project to modify the project for navigation, San Francisco Bay to Stockton, California, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1965 (79 Stat. 109 1). (4) Suisun Bay Channel (Slough), California: Project for navigation, Suisun Bay Channel (Slough), California. The Corps already abandoned its previous disposition study in 2021. (5) Middle Creek, Lake County, California: Project for flood damage reduction and environmental restoration, Middle Creek, Lake County, California, authorized by section 1001(11) of the WRDA 2007 (121 Stat. 1051). Definition of Including.--The Committee notes that a fundamental canon of statutory construction is that the term ``include'' should be interpreted with a presumption of non- exclusiveness--meaning that the word ``including,'' when used by itself, means that the list is merely exemplary and not exhaustive. The Committee is concerned that the Corps has taken a narrower approach to the use of the term ``including'' in WRDA interpretation, and reminds the Corps of the plain meaning of this term when used in statutory construction. Dredged Material Placement for Ohio Harbors.--The Committee is aware of the ongoing issues with securing sufficient dredged material placement sites for Federal harbors in the State of Ohio. The Committee encourages the Corps to consider the beneficial use facilities being designed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and non-Federal interests as viable sites for the Corps ongoing dredging operations. Further, the Committee directs the Corps to expedite completion of written agreements for the implementation of any such sites that provide for the beneficial use of dredged material for Ohio harbors. Flood Control Projects Impacting Military Installations.-- The Committee encourages the Corps to expedite reviews pursuant to Section 14 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 408) for proposed actions that may provide a military installation with increased protection. Jones Levee Flood Control Project, Washington.--The Committee instructs the Corps to expedite completion of the study for the Jones Levee Flood Control, Pierce County, Washington project carried out under Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948 (33 U.S.C. 701s). The Committee is aware of the project history, including the termination of a General Investigations study in 2018, and encourages the Corps to identify a viable way to move the project forward. The Committee believes several of the policies within Section 1107 of WRDA 2024, as amended, provide assistance for completing this project and directs the Corps to use the provided authorities to implement a locally supported, economically justified project. Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.--The Committee is aware the Corps is providing technical assistance to the United States Air Force to address subsurface releases from Kirtland Air Force Base into neighboring areas. The Committee directs the Corps to prioritize and expedite their work with the Air Force to identity, prevent, and remediate any such leaks using its existing statutory authorities. Lake Aquilla, Texas.--The Committee encourages the Corps to expeditiously review current conditions and forecasted regional water supply needs as part of a water reallocation study and provide updated costs and needs at Lake Aquilla as part of the Middle Brazos System, Texas. Materials.--The Committee encourages the Corps to maintain a flexible and adaptive approach in selecting construction materials. This entails prioritizing the most suitable materials for each specific application and may include in its analysis factors such as performance, impact, cost- effectiveness, and availability. The Corps should also remain informed about advancements in material science and the development of new materials to ensure that they are utilizing the most current and innovative options available. Missouri River Ice Jams.--In addition to ice jam language in WRDA 2024, Section 1150 of WRDA 2016, as amended, provides the Corps with authority for preventing and mitigating flood damage and ensuring water supply associated with ice jams in the Upper Missouri River Basin and the Northeast. The Committee encourages the Corps to utilize this authority, specifically addressing the dangerous levels of ice jam impacts on the Missouri River reach (20 miles) of Omaha, Nebraska, as evidenced by the 2021, 2022, and 2023 ice jams. Norfolk Harbor and Channels, Virginia.--The Committee reminds the Corps that Section 1403 of WRDA 2018 authorized further improvements for Norfolk Harbor and Channels, Virginia, and took no deauthorization action. The Committee further instructs the Corps that absent any specific deauthorization, the elements of Norfolk Harbor and Channels, Virginia, including a depth of 55 feet for Anchorage F, authorized by Section 201 of WRDA 1986 remain fully authorized. Noyes Levee, Minnesota.--The Committee encourages the Corps to work with the State of Minnesota and other non-Federal partners to address the maintenance needs of the Noyes Levee. Oyster Gardens.--The Committee recognizes the role oysters can play in improving water quality and encourages the Corps to explore opportunities to work with states, localities, and other non-Federal partners to support the development of oyster gardens and other oyster restoration activities. Red River Basin Chloride Control Area VIII, Texas.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the Red River Basin Chloride Control Area VIII Project, which improves water quality and provides other important water resource benefits to the region. The Committee encourages the Corps to continue this project. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Development.--The Committee recognizes the Corps' work through the Engineer Research and Development Center on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and encourages the continued use of these technologies, including to support levee safety evaluations. Zebra and Quagga Mussels in the Great Lakes.--Zebra and Quagga mussels were first identified in the Great Lakes in the late 1980s. The Committee notes the impact these freshwater, non-native species have on water resources infrastructure, often leading to increased maintenance costs, and the hazard they pose to human health and the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Committee encourages the Corps to address and mitigate these nuisance species in the Great Lakes.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), an individual we worked very closely with on this bill, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), the chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I emphasize again the importance of the legislation that we are considering today, which will have a positive impact on communities across the country. This WRDA bill delivers improvements to flood control infrastructure, ports and harbors, and inland waterways across the country. Many of the policy reforms that I have secured in the WRDA bill for my constituents help ensure that the corps is focused on what matters: protecting people's lives and livelihoods from devastating floods. For example, the bill prohibits the corps from using eminent domain to seize land for fish and wildlife purposes along the Missouri River. It also includes important provisions to reauthorize the EDA, make us better stewards of federally owned spaces, and repurpose unobligated TIFIA balances. WRDA 2024 is the result of more than a year of work by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and was developed based on input from nearly 350 Members of this body on projects, programs, and policies that are important to their constituents. The bill also includes projects and policy reforms that will make the corps work better for our communities by empowering non-Federal project sponsors, including transparency of the corps, and streamlining processes. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of S. 4367, as amended. I, too, thank the teams, Kathy on the minority side and Jack Ruddy, the staff director on our side, and the two Ryans, again, for all the work that they did, and their teams. When we do stuff like this, there are a lot of late nights, a lot of weekends, a lot of holidays, and it is simply taking time away from the family. The staff that got us here today deserve the credit and the thanks. I want to finish by saying the queen of water, what a great job she did. It has been awesome to be able to work with her and Ranking Member Larsen on this bill. I do want to say, too, Representative Rouzer, who is the subcommittee chair over this, would have been here. He has obligations in the steering committee which prevented him from being able to come down, but he put a lot of effort, a lot of work, a lot of time into this bill. I wish he could have been here, but he just simply could not make it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support a great WRDA bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 492.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 484, YEA on Roll Call No. 485, YEA on Roll Call No. 486, NAY on Roll Call No. 487, NAY on Roll Call No. 488, YEA on Roll Call No. 489, YEA on Roll Call No. 490, and AYE on Roll Call No. 491. personal explanation

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 436, YEA on Roll Call No. 437, YEA on Roll Call No. 438, and YEA on Roll Call No. 439. personal explanation

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following Resolution in honor of Mr. Ralph Waldo Anderson. Whereas, Ralph Waldo Anderson was born in Greenbush, Minnesota, on September 23, 1934. Known to all simply as ``Waldo,'' from hardworking roots on the farm he has prospered to a full and active life. Whereas, Waldo had his first airplane ride from a nearby farm field in 1946. Whereas, Waldo enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1957. He trained as a mechanic and was assigned to Smoky Hill AFB in Salina, Kansas. There, he took flying lessons with the local military flying club, where he earned his Private and Commercial Pilot certificates. Whereas, in 1959, Waldo was hired by the University of Minnesota as an instructor for the university flight facility at Anoka County Airport. Whereas, by 1967, Waldo became the Chief Pilot for the University of Minnesota. Whereas, Waldo transported university officials, including presidents and coaches, and made more than 1,000 organ transplant flights and medical assistance flights with hospital medics. Whereas, in September 1972, Waldo rescued a student pilot after distress calls could not be heard by local air traffic control. Anderson was commended by the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists for his ``calm, cool reassurances'' that brought the plane back to a safe landing. Whereas, Waldo retired from the University of Minnesota in 1996 but never from flying. Whereas, Waldo has been an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner since 1967 and has flown more than 33,000 hours in more than 50 different aircraft. Whereas, Waldo has been an instructor with the American Bonanza Society for more than 26 years. Whereas, Waldo has provided flight instruction to countless pilots, including a NASA astronaut and more than 40 pilots now flying for commercial airlines, including two nephews who are captains with Delta Airlines. Whereas, Waldo's vast network and experience also includes brushes with Hollywood. He has trained many celebrities, including Harrison Ford, and flew a 1929 Sikorsky S-38 in the movie ``The Aviator'' with Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett. Whereas, Waldo is an accomplished airplane appraiser, providing reliable appraisals to satisfied customers across the country. Among the more interesting planes that he tracked down was one of the original Bellanca's that made up the fleet for Hawaiian Airlines at its founding. The plane was restored and featured in the airline's 80th anniversary celebration and he was invited to visit the restored plane in Honolulu. Whereas, for all these accomplishments and more, Ralph Waldo Anderson was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008. Whereas, Waldo has been married to Ruth Anderson for over 59 years, raising five children together, and spends time in Minnesota and Arizona, with visits to every airport in between. Whereas, Waldo celebrates his 90th birthday on September 23, 2024, and continues to fly, instruct, appraise, and enjoy planes, with no signs of stopping. Now, therefore, be it recognized,

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize St. Matthew's Evangelical Church in Riverside, Missouri, which is celebrating its 180th anniversary on September 29th of this year. St. Matthew's was established in 1844 by a group of mostly German immigrants living in the surrounding countryside. Like so many immigrants that had left their home countries for Northwest Missouri, they chose to build a community based on faith in a small log church. The original church was replaced in 1877 by a timber-frame, simple Gothic structure which has become known to many as ``the little white church on the hill,'' which still proudly stands to this day. To honor the original church structure, a beautiful stained and painted glass window marks the location of the double doors the church founders walked through to come together and proclaim their devotion to Christ. St. Matthew's has grown along with Platte County, continuously welcoming more worshippers as the years have gone on. It has continued the tradition of engaging with the Riverside community and fulfilling its founding ideals through its practice of faith and fellowship. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me and the people of the Sixth Congressional District in congratulating St. Matthew's Evangelical Church on its 180 years of worship. I am proud to represent this congregation in the United States House of Representatives, and wish them many more years of worship.