Bill Shuster

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer), a hardworking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I have no more speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I want to thank the leader of the Democrats on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his efforts and his willingness to work with me. Mr. DeFazio has been a great partner over the last 4 years. I want to thank him for that. I also want to thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Mr. LoBiondo, and Ranking Member Larsen, for their hard work and bipartisan efforts on this bill. I also want to thank Chairman Barletta, chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development and Emergency Management, and Ranking Member Titus, again, with the DRRA bill, working closely with those folks. Also, we want to mention Garret Graves, who really is a true leader and one of the true experts, not only in Congress but in the United States, when it comes to disaster recovery. I thank him for his efforts. I also want to thank the Democratic staff for their efforts in working with our staff. I know it was a lot of late hours. I thank them so much for those efforts that they put in. To my staff, T&I staff, they did an unbelievable job on a very, very complicated FAA bill, but they also were negotiating the disaster relief bill. There were many long nights. I can't thank them enough for their hard work and their intelligence and, many times, sort of making magic happen when we went through this. So I thank those folks for that effort. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of all the staff whose great work got us to this point today: Matt Sturges, Chris Vieson, Geoff Gosselin, Fred Miller, Holly Woodruff Lyons, Naveen Rao, Hunter Presti, Cameron Humphrey, Max Rosen, Avery Katz, Johanna Hardy, Pam Williams, Tyler Menzler, Kathy Dedrick, Alex Burkett, David Napoliello, Rachel Carr, Michael Tien, Luke Strimer, Janet Erickson, Nick Rossi. Adrian Arnakis, Mike Reynolds, Simone Perez, Isaiah Wonnenberg, Misseye Brickell, Kim Lipsky, Christopher Day, Mohsin Syed, Tom Chapman, Christopher Mulkins, Alexia Noruk, Michael Lueptow, Barrett Percival, Karen Anderson, Rosemary Gallagher, Stephen Hagenbuch, Jaclyn Keshian, Hannah Matesic, Kathy Loden, Brittany Smith, Collin McCune. I want to mention, call out here today, Aviation staff Holly Woodruff Lyons, Naveen Rao, Hunter Presti, Cameron Humphrey, Hannah Matesic, and Avery Katz for their efforts on this FAA bill, but also Johanna Hardy, Pam Williams, and Tyler Menzler for their efforts on the Disaster Recovery and Relief Act. And on the full committee: Chris Vieson, Geoff Gosselin, Fred Miller, Kathy Loden, Brittany Smith, Jeff Urbanchuk, Justin Harclerode, and Nico Alcalde for their tireless efforts. Also, not on our staff anymore, but I need to do a shout-out for him, is Matt Sturges, who was the staff director. He has gone down to be the Deputy Administrator at the FRA. Much of the legislation that we passed over the years wouldn't be possible without Matt's leadership and his hard, hard work, and I want to thank him for that. Finally, I thank the leadership and their staff for working so closely with us to get this long-term FAA bill, this disaster bill passed. I thought this FAA bill would be the legislation that eluded me. In the last 5\1/2\ years, in a bipartisan way, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has enacted legislation on every mode of transportation, and, today, we are going to pass a 5-year bill, which I mentioned earlier. It hasn't been done since 1928. But I would be remiss if I didn't point out and show the true competitive nature of the Shuster family. My father, Bud Shuster, the chairman in 2000, passed a 4\1/2\-year bill. So, Dad, if you are watching, I just wanted to make sure that was in the Record. Being chairman has been one of the great honors of my life, and I want to thank my Republican colleagues for putting their trust in me and electing me to be chairman of this committee. Most importantly, I want to thank the people of the Ninth Congressional District for putting their faith in me. I would not be chairman today if they wouldn't have supported me as strongly as they did over the years, and I owe them this chairmanship. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I thank my family: my brother and three sisters; my two children, Ali and Garrett, for their love, support, and for tolerating me over the years. And, finally, to my mother, who passed away 2 years ago, we passed a WRDA bill the day she passed away. I can remember the ringing in my ears of her saying, ``Go to work. Do your job.'' And I did just that. And to my father, whom I mentioned earlier, I thank him and my mother for the love, the guidance they have given me and, most importantly, for the life that they gave me. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to support H. Res. 1082, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 3383) to designate the flood control project in Sedgwick County, Kansas, commonly known as the Wichita- Valley Center Flood Control Project, as the ``M.S. `Mitch' Mitchell Floodway'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the bill (S. 1668) to rename a waterway in the State of New York as the ``Joseph Sanford Jr. Channel'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Ways and Means be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6897) to extend the authorizations of Federal aviation programs, to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mindy Dye, one of the winners of the 25th annual Personal Achievement Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona. This award is given to encourage and recognize those who have made an outstanding effort to deal with or overcome a disability. This year, Mindy has earned that distinction. Mindy suffered a major stroke in December 2017 that affected her speech and body. She could not walk, talk and lost all muscle control on her right side. Every day was a struggle in therapy as she tried to regain her strength, balance, ability to walk and her ability to speak. Another setback occurred a few months later during her cranium replacement surgery when she ended up with an infection that required an emergency procedure and several months of antibiotics. Ultimately, Mindy resumed her therapy, was always willing to do her best, maintained a positive attitude, and was motivated to get better. Today, Mindy has made an amazing recovery through her hard work and determination. Her extremity strength, balance and functional mobility have returned, and she continues to make progress in therapy. She is now able to enjoy gardening, hiking and spending time with her family. I am humbled to recognize the truly impressive recovery Mindy has made. Her strength and positivity in the face of such adversity is remarkable. As such, it is my pleasure to wish Mindy the best as she continues to reclaim her health and life

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary Green of Huntingdon, PA, one of the winners of the 25th annual Personal Achievement Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona. This award is given to encourage and recognize those who have made an outstanding effort to deal with or overcome a disability. This year, Mr. Green has earned that distinction. Mr. Green suffered a stroke in October of 2017 that affected his speech and body. Among his many challenges were numbness and weakness on the left side of his body, difficulty in performing daily tasks, and impaired memory. Mr. Green, aided by a positive attitude and the strong support of his wife, followed the therapy plan established at HealthSouth with tremendous success. Today--nearly a year later--he is able to walk, complete his daily living skills, speak clearly and swallow safely. It is my honor to congratulate Mr. Green on his remarkable progress and promising improvements, as I believe that it is through role models like him that we all can learn to overcome our hardships. Furthermore, I am happy to recognize him for his perseverance, and I wish him the best as he continues to overcome this adversity.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jerre Sell of Imler, PA, a winner of the Patient Advocate Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona. Jerre's son, Troy, endured a catastrophic event in 2016 when he suffered both Anoxic and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Throughout this immensely challenging time, Jerre has always supported his son and has been heavily involved with his care--all while continuing to work at his present job that he's held for more than 40 years. He has been with Troy during his inpatient stays, transported him to every Outpatient therapy visit, and has pushed for the many medication changes and ongoing therapies for his son. Jerre, himself, recently underwent back surgery, but is back to work and continuing to be Troy's caregiver. He has displayed a strong character and stayed positive despite the many challenges he has overcome. While his son's efforts to recover are worth celebrating in their own right, there can be no doubt that Jerre has provided exemplary care. Given his admirable actions in support of his son and family through a time of tremendous hardship, Jerre is unquestionably deserving of this recognition. As such, it is my honor to help celebrate his having received this award.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Michael Kline, one of the winners of the 25th annual Personal Achievement Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona. This award is given to encourage and recognize those who have made an outstanding effort to deal with or overcome a disability. This year, Dr. Kline has earned that distinction. Dr. Kline has been serving the community as a primary-care physician for more than two decades. In this capacity, Dr. Kline is known for his attentive care for his patients. However, he was admitted to HealthSouth Rehab Hospital for Physical Therapy in April of this year with a long list of problems that prevented him from being able to walk unassisted. These included pelvic fractures, multiple rib fractures, leg weakness and decreased balance. Dr. Kline maintained a positive attitude and work ethic, and displayed the determination for recovery he has always encouraged with his patients. Through these efforts, he has regained his ability to walk without any devices, is driving once again and recently returned to work. It is my pleasure to congratulate Dr. Kline on his successful progress. His accomplishments are a testament to us all that with hard work and persistence, we can overcome any hardship. I honor him for his perseverance, and I wish him the best as he continues to overcome this setback.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Matt Summers of Claysburg, PA, one of the winners of the 25th annual Personal Achievement Award from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona. This award is given to encourage and recognize those who have made an outstanding effort to deal with or overcome a disability. This year, Mr. Summers has earned that distinction. Matt was involved in a motorcycle accident in September 2017 that left him with multiple fractures, a spinal cord injury and a Traumatic Brain Injury. Since the fateful day of that crash, he has made tremendous gains in his recovery. During his time in rehab, Matt was dependent on a wheelchair due to little muscle activity in his legs as well as nerve damage in his right arm from a vertebrae fracture. However, he worked hard in therapy to overcome many of his challenges, and regained his ability to walk and complete his daily activities independently. Matt returned to work in the construction industry in June, and continues to push himself to new limits. I am honored to celebrate Matt's impressive efforts, as I believe that his dedicated and positive attitude is something many of us can learn from as we attempt to overcome the hardships in our lives. Furthermore, I am happy to recognize Matt for his perseverance, and I wish him the best as he continues on the road to full recovery.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may insert in the Congressional Record not later than Thursday, September 13, such material as I may deem explanatory of S. 3021.

Mr. SHUSTER

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on S. 3021.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3021) to designate the United States courthouse located at 300 South Fourth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the ``Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse'', as amended.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3021, the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. This bill is good for our infrastructure, good for jobs, and good for America. It is a bipartisan, bicameral comprehensive bill that delivers on a promise to regularly address water resources and infrastructure issues across the Nation. Title I of this act is the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, or WRDA. I want to remind my colleagues that we overwhelmingly passed WRDA in June by a vote of 408-2. WRDA invests in the ports, locks, and dams, inland waterways, flood protection, and other infrastructure that makes America more competitive and protects our communities. It also builds upon reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers to help improve project delivery. This bill is fiscally responsible and fully offset. It cuts red tape, and it maintains congressional authority and oversight of Federal investment. I want to thank Ranking Member DeFazio for working together on the WRDA title. However, today's bill includes more than just WRDA, and I also want to thank the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and our Senate counterparts for helping put this package together. I am proud to say today's legislation continues a 2-year cycle of regular order for Congress considering these essential WRDA bills. This has been one of my top priorities since I became chairman over 6 years ago. We need to pass this bill, continue providing direction to the Corps, and ensure all of these infrastructure improvements move forward. This is simply good public policy, and it is good for our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this jobs and infrastructure bill, and I reserve the balance of my time Joint Explanatory Statement To Accompany S. 3021, America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 will create jobs, grow the economy, promote fiscal responsibility, and protect lives, property, and the environment. America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 supports our nation's economic competitiveness by increasing water storage, providing protection from dangerous floodwaters, deepening nationally significant ports, and maintaining the navigability of inland waterways across the country. The legislation will also repair aging drinking water, wastewater and irrigation systems. It also promotes hydropower development and increases Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transparency. Title I of this bill, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, promotes the Federal commitment to our nation's competitiveness, prosperity, and economic growth by maintaining a strong transportation infrastructure, ensuring the efficient flow of domestic and international commerce, and protecting the lives and livelihoods of the American people in a sustainable and environmentally conscientious manner. In WRDA, Congress authorizes projects encompassing the key missions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), including developing, maintaining, and supporting the nation's economically vital waterway infrastructure, supporting effective and targeted flood protection and environmental restoration needs while strengthening national security. Through WRDA, Congress exercises its oversight authority to make policy reforms that promote efficient, effective, and transparent project development and implementation. This legislation promotes innovation and stronger stakeholder partnerships that will improve water infrastructure development. Since 2014, Congress has resumed the regular consideration of WRDAs, and WRDA 2018 continues the WRDA two-year cycle that provides appropriate oversight of and policy direction to the Administration and the Corps. The transformative nature of the last two WRDA bills has provided the Corps and the non-Federal sponsors with new opportunities to advance projects more quickly. As these new authorities and processes are implemented, the Managers expect that project delivery will speed up. The Managers also expect that the provisions put forward in this bill, as well as the last two WRDA bills, will promote investment in worthwhile and beneficial water resources development projects, and enable these projects to move forward. Water resources projects have historically been rejected through the use of benefit-cost analyses (BCAs) in the formulation, evaluation, and budgeting of water resources development projects. The Managers have been approached by members and non-Federal project sponsors who have projects that are authorized, but because of past practices regarding BCA calculations, non-Federal project sponsors are left without a clear path forward. This legislation makes clear the Managers' intent: authorized projects are worthy of funding. Specifically, this bill contains provisions that require the careful study of and reporting on the use and application of current BCAs. The Managers expect this study to result in recommendations to improve project transparency and the taxpayers' return on Federal investment. The bill also provides additional transparency measures to help non-Federal project sponsors better understand where their projects are in the budgeting process, and the calculations used to justify or reject federal investment in the project. Corps water resources development projects are long-term investments which are critically important to maintaining the nation's economic prosperity, national security, and environmental protection. The Managers expect the Corps to proactively work with non-Federal interests to transparently discuss the principles and analytical methodologies used in developing BCAs on these projects. Title II and IV of this legislation builds on the existing Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act programs to protect and restore water quality. This legislation provides Federal financial assistance to local drinking and wastewater systems to improve water quality and comply with both the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Act's requirements. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its sixth national assessment, Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey, in March 2018. That assessment estimated the nation's drinking water utilities require $472.6 billion in infrastructure investments and $271 billion in wastewater needs over the next 20 years to protect the public health and ensure the security and economic well-being of our cities, towns and communities. This bill reauthorizes the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF), growing the program over the next three fiscal years to $1.95 billion annually in 2021, nearly doubling the amount currently authorized. Along with the SRFs, this bill reauthorizes the Water Infrastructure and Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA) and a program within WIFIA the Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now (SRF WIN). All of these mechanisms will substantially increase investments toward addressing this critical need. Investments in water infrastructure are essential for protecting public health and the environment, but they also generate significant economic benefits. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that for every dollar in revenue realized by the water and wastewater industry, $2.62 in revenue are realized by all other industries. Adding one job in the water and wastewater industry creates an additional 3.68 jobs in the national economy. The Managers understand that our nation's ability to provide clean water and safe drinking water is challenged by deteriorating wastewater infrastructure that is in urgent need of repair, replacement, or upgrade. This legislation takes steps to address these needs through financial support from grants, state revolving loan funds, innovative financing mechanisms, the use of funds for compliance assistance, and the use of technical assistance for disadvantaged communities. Title III of this legislation includes several provisions that promote the development of hydropower through closed- loop pump storage, in-conduit projects, and at existing non- powered dams. This legislation also amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the FERC to issue preliminary permits to a hydropower construction license applicant for up to four years, and promote the timely rehabilitation and replacement of hydropower infrastructure. Title IV of the bill also addresses the need in many states, particularly throughout the West, to increase water supplies necessary to sustain the livelihoods of farming, ranching, and tribal communities. This legislation also addresses flood protection concerns in rural and tribal communities. Section 1116 directs the Corps to expedite the dredge material management plan process and make maximum use of existing information, studies, and innovative dredge material management practices. It is the Manager's intent that dredged material management plans begun in 2018, but not completed shall also be expedited under this provision. Managers ask that, when a non-Federal entity develops a reasonable alternative to the Federal standard for dredged material disposal facilities that meets relevant Federal environmental and dredged material placement and disposal standards, it should receive preferred consideration by the Secretary. Additionally, the Secretary is encouraged to consider entering into agreements with non-Federal sponsors for the acquisition, design, construction, management, or operation and maintenance of dredged material disposal facilities, including port facilities, through section 217 of WRDA of 1996. Section 1126 addresses the concerns that Managers heard about the regulatory permitting process for water storage projects is extremely lengthy, in part due to issues associated with identifying and analyzing the purpose and need of the project. This section is intended to increase transparency earlier in the regulatory process by providing the permittee an opportunity to obtain a project's purpose and need statement. For Section 1133, as much as is possible, if the determination is made that additional housing is warranted, the purchase of private land shall be avoided. Section 1134 directs the Corps to implement these sediment removal provisions in an expeditious manner in order to restore these reservoirs to their intended storage capacity. The Managers recognize the importance of water storage capacity to rural and western communities. Federal reservoirs have gradually seen a reduction in water storage capacity associated with sediment buildup to the detriment of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Managers expect that the final feasibility study for the project in section 1142 will be carried out expeditiously and be completed by the anticipated completion date of February 2019. The Managers intend that section 1143 apply to all projects authorized by Title VII of WRDA 2007 so that the Secretary can acknowledge credit for the cost of work carried out in the coastal Louisiana ecosystem by the non-Federal interest for elements integral to the project prior to the date of enactment of WRDA 2018. For example, the ``Multipurpose Operation of Houma Navigation Lock'' is dependent upon the adjacent earthen levees (including Reach F and G of the Morganza to the Gulf of Mexico project) and other structures (including the Bubba Dove Floodgate and Bayou Grand Calliou Floodgate). Operating a lock complex without adjacent levees can significantly reduce the ability to reduce salinity and to manage and control the fresh water available via the Atchafalaya River, Gulf Intercoastal Waterway and the Houma Navigation Canal. In addition, the Bubba Dove Floodgate has reduced the original wetland impact of the Houma Navigation Lock and is integral to the lock's design and function. Section 1203 (f) expedites activities under section 4003(a) of Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) 2014. The Managers understand that these activities have not been implemented due to a lack of appropriated funds, and emphasize that the importance of such flood and drought monitoring to communities in the Upper Missouri River Basin necessitates that the Corps expedite activities for this monitoring in order to protect lives and properties in the region. The Managers expect section 1229 to be carried out in an expeditious manner and in accordance with all applicable Federal and state water laws. Section 1332 further amends the Annual Report process set up by section 7001 of WRRDA 2014. WRDA 2016 changed the process to ensure individual existing environmental infrastructure projects may be included in the Annual Report Main Table so that they can be considered for inclusion in future WRDA bills, and the amendments in this section clarify that proposed modifications to existing regional environmental infrastructure programs are also able to be considered. Such projects that have previously ended up in the appendix of these reports, such as Charlotte County, Florida, are encouraged to reapply. Similarly, this section amends the criteria by which the Secretary may select to include a local request in the appendix to the Annual Report, rather than the Report, itself. The Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Environment and Public Works have repeatedly criticized the Secretary for failure to follow the specific criteria outlined in section 7001(c)(1)(A), and including local requests in the appendix despite those requests meeting the statutory criteria. In response, this legislation clarifies that the Secretary may not include a request that meets the criteria in 7001(c)(1)(A) in the appendix solely on the basis that the local request requires legislative changes to an authorized project or study, or the request may be inconsistent with Corps or Administration policy. The Committee is aware of one particular request for a modification of the Abiquiu Reservoir, New Mexico, that was placed in the appendix to the 2017 Annual Report to Congress because of Administration policy. Project sponsors for similarly situated project or study requests are encouraged to reapply. The Managers encourage the Secretary to consider the benefits of safety modifications for 2-way traffic and other improvements to commercial navigation when evaluating authorized navigation studies. The Managers encourage the Secretary to provide technical assistance and other support to state emergency management agencies to assist in the development of handbooks for floodplain managers. These handbooks should include policies to help manage the risks of coastal and river flooding. In addition, these handbooks should consider coastal protection solutions that promote resilience, such as living shorelines, as well as regional sediment management. Additionally, non- Federal entities may provide resources for emergency repairs under section 1024 of WRRDA 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2325a), regardless of the cause of the emergency. The Managers encourage the Corps to proceed with a sense of urgency when evaluating and programming the actions to proceed with the water resources projects necessary for flood control, dam repair, beach erosion control, and harbor navigation improvement in Puerto Rico, and the repair and mitigation necessary as a result of the hurricane and severe weather damages that occurred between September 2017 and March 2018. Additionally, the Managers encourage the Corps to advance the project for ecosystem restoration, Cano Martin Pena, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Managers believe the Secretary should simplify and expedite the process for including in-kind work in project partnership agreements, consistent with current law. The Managers further encourage the Corps to improve communication with stakeholders and the public regarding the risk assessments conducted by the agency of the levees around the country. The managers believe that the financing of project operations, maintenance, where the locals are not otherwise responsible for the project, or capital improvements by local non-Federal interests can results in savings to Federal taxpayers. As the Secretary carries out the operations and maintenance of our nation's infrastructure, the Managers expect periodic maintenance dredging of the Kennebec River Federal Navigation Channel will be prioritized based on a joint plan that is being developed by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Navy. Additionally, the managers believe the Corps should prioritize annual dredging for the harbor in Wilmington, Delaware. The Secretary may use his or her authority under section 9 of the Flood Control Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 643, chapter 596) to remedy the erosion issues on the Ohio River near Clarksville, Indiana. Ongoing cooperation between the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District relating to flood protection projects in Jean Lafitte, Louisiana, and the vicinity should continue. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary should support that cooperation in a manner that is consistent with Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. The amendment to section 203 of WRDA 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2231) made by section 1126 of WIIN 2016 (130 Stat. 1648), which concerns study of water resources development projects by non-Federal interests, was intended to supersede any conflicting laws. As water resources projects are vital to the nation's competitiveness, the Managers encourage robust annual funding. The Continuing Authorities Programs should receive full appropriations each fiscal year. The authorization of appropriations under section 595(i) of WRDA 1999, for water, wastewater, environmental restoration and surface water protection projects in certain rural states should be robustly maintained. Section 2005 includes new grant opportunities for states to assist small and disadvantaged communities when contaminants are present or are likely to be present in drinking water provided by a public water system or underground source of drinking water. The Managers intend this legislation to assist states with small and disadvantaged communities to promptly respond to problems that potentially present an imminent and substantial endangerment. Section 2010 establishes new authority for states and EPA to address the challenges of water systems that have repeatedly violated drinking water standards and pose a risk to human health. The section includes limited liability protection for outside entities that help the system come back into compliance. The Managers do not intend this legislation to limit enforcement of drinking water violations not identified in the plan or to diminish the availability of injunctive relief to address unresolved drinking water violations. Section 2021 authorizes EPA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds carrying out the purposes of the section, to require drinking water systems serving between 3,300 and 10,000 persons to comply with mandatory unregulated contaminant testing for up to 30 unregulated contaminants. The legislation also authorizes $15 million in the years the monitoring is required to pay costs traditionally associated with such testing. Systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons will remain subject to random sampling and have their testing and mailing costs covered by EPA. Such systems will not be subject to a civil penalty for their inability to comply with sampled monitoring. Title II provides for Drinking Water Improvement. As Congress reauthorizes the Drinking Water SRF, the managers strongly support Congress providing robust funding of capitalization grants to States to fund SDWA SRFs established under section 1452 of the SDWA (42 U.S.C. 300j-12) and the CWA SRFs established under title VI of the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.). The managers also encourage the Administrator to work with the States to realize the full benefits of the renewed DWSRF authorization amounts. Section 3003 of this bill authorizes the Commissioner of the FERC to establish an expedite process for issuing and amending licenses under the Federal Power Act for qualifying facilities under that section. The Committee on Transportation is aware that certain projects owned or operated by the Corps of Engineers may fall within the scope of this section. However, nothing in section 3003 provides new authority to add hydropower to existing non-powered projects owned or operated by the Corps of Engineers where hydropower is not specifically an authorized purpose, established in law, for such projects. The decision and conditions to add hydropower to an existing, non-powered project of the Corps rests solely with the Secretary of the Army, through its existing regulatory authorities, and with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works in the U.S. Senate, through enactment of future water resources development legislation. Section 4102 establishes a Wastewater Technology Clearinghouse at EPA. Providing communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to fully use decentralized wastewater systems can provide affordable wastewater recycling and treatment to millions of people in the United States. Section 4103 provides Technical Assistance for Treatment Works in the CWA. The Managers recognize the importance of technical assistance for small, rural, and tribal water systems. It is the Managers' view that onsite technical assistance, provides the most effective means for communities that are struggling to implement the CWA. The Managers also acknowledge that the use of remote training does not always provide communities with sufficient assistance to comply with complicated and system-specific issues. Section 4201 amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) by enhancing the process under WIFIA for financial assistance to those applying for state loan funds to carry out water and wastewater infrastructure projects, the Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now (SRF WIN). It allows states that combine projects and submit one application to the WIFIA program to receive additional considerations. This section provides specific selection criteria and expedites the evaluation of applications of these combined projects to 180 days, with feedback from the EPA on how to improve their application, if denied. This section also puts the application fee cost on the state financing authority and removes the burden from the bundled communities. It eliminates the need for these combined projects from having to do any duplicative environmental reviews and allows for the federal cost share of the project to cover up to 100% of the total project cost. These amendments utilize the leveraging power of WIFIA financing to enhance the ability of the state financing authorities to provide financial assistance to local communities. This will allow states to finance thousands of existing and vetted water and wastewater infrastructure projects expeditiously. Section 4301 establishes a mandatory requirement that not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Act that the EPA will enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) that will establish a structure for how EPA can provide technical assistance for any credit instrument that Reclamation may provide now or in the future. Section 4302 directs the BOR, working with the Corps to create a flood action plan. The Managers recognize that 2017 was a record year for runoff in the Upper Snake River Basin, causing communities in the region to experience significant flooding. The Managers further recognize that landowners and stakeholders have serious concerns for how the BOR and the Corps have managed the spring runoff out of Jackson Lake and down the Snake River. The Managers seek assurances that the BOR will work with the Corps to protect communities to minimize flooding in the region. Section 4304 establishes a new workforce training program for workforce development in the water utility sector. The managers find that water and wastewater utilities provide a unique opportunity for access to stable, high-quality careers. This section also establishes a competitive grant program to promote the development of innovative activities relating to workforce development in the water utility sector. Section 4306 authorizes EPA's WaterSense program, a voluntary program which identifies and promotes water efficient products through voluntary labeling, is authorized by this legislation. The bill requires EPA to review and revise the program's performance criteria to achieve additional water savings not more frequently than every 6 years. The Managers expect EPA to conduct these reviews as required by the section and to review the requirements of the program and update them as needed and appropriate. Section 4312 recognizes the rehabilitation and restoration of Indian irrigation systems owned and operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is essential to the success and livelihood of individuals and businesses across 17 reservations. Congress outlined these objectives in Public Law 114-322 and established the Indian Irrigation Fund for the BIA to carry out its trust responsibility for certain individual Indians and Tribes. This provision authorizes seven years of additional funding to complete this necessary rehabilitation, which will ensure the delivery of clean water, reduce the loss of water through seepage, and improve the safety of the systems. The Managers believe the Administration should prioritize the Indian Irrigation Fund in addressing restoration of these Indian irrigation systems. The Managers strongly encourage the Administration to fulfill the objectives outlined in Public Law 114-322.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say the ranking member is 100 percent correct on his assessment of the harbor maintenance trust fund. I support it. He is absolutely right. I just want to make sure, when he is referring to BS, he is not referring to Bill Shuster. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Denham).

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from California an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), a hardworking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Rules Committee.