NCGA Encourages Focus on WRDA in Administration’s 2006 Domestic Agenda (12-5-05)

Today the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) called on President George W. Bush to make passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) a top priority for the administration’s 2006 domestic agenda.

In a letter signed by all members of the NCGA Corn Board, corn growers urged strong support of the legislation by the administration and encouraged passage of this important legislation. 

“We respectfully request that you urge the Senate to act as early as possible in 2006 on this important legislation,” said the letter. “Your strong support of this long-awaited legislation is imperative to successfully passing not only justified, but needed comprehensive flood control and water resources infrastructure improvements. We cannot afford to wait any longer. If we fail to move forward, the world will look elsewhere for a reliable supplier of basic food commodities.”

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed WRDA in July 2005. The legislation has been stalled in the Senate.

“We are working with leading Senate proponents to get floor time for WRDA reauthorization early in the 2006 session – an effort that would be solidified with the support of the White House,” said NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson. “We’re hopeful President Bush will give public voice to the importance of modernizing this nation’s inland waterway infrastructure not only for corn growers, but for the entire nation. In the wake of the devastating hurricanes, delays of this legislation and much needed work will have serious ramifications.”

With the 2005 Congressional session rapidly coming to a close, floor time for consideration of any major legislation other than appropriations and budget reconciliation is simply not possible,” said NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson.

NCGA also points to recognizing the importance of the inland waterway transportation to the global economy, stating that the needs and long-term investments in the United States transportation infrastructure must be met or continued problems will persist.

To view the letter in its entirety, please visit www.ncga.com.