House
Passage of WRDA Sends Strong Message, Notes NCGA (7-14-05)
Overwhelming
House passage today of the Water Resources Development Act of 2005
(WRDA) illustrates the recognition of the need for upgrading our
aging inland waterways system, noted the National Corn Growers Association
(NCGA). The House today passed HR. 2864 by a vote of 406 –
14.
“We are
excited by the action of the House in the overwhelming commitment
to the nation’s ports and the inland waterways including the
upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers,” said NCGA President
Leon Corzine. “Passage of WRDA, which includes lock modernization
provisions, when implemented benefits the nation’s economy,
trade relations and our environment.”
This week in
Washington, D.C., corn growers marched the halls of Congress denouncing
an amendment offered by Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Earl Blumenauer
(D-Ore.) that would have setback river modernization and impact
corn growers’ ability to transport products efficiently to
market.
“Grassroots
actions by corn growers, laborers and the business community derailed
the Flake-Blumenauer Amendment, which failed by a vote of 315 to
105, showing that people in and outside the river basin area understand
the importance this waterway system has on the entire nation,”
Corzine said.
The next step
is to secure WRDA passage in the Senate. Corn growers are hopeful
the strong commitment shown in the House is reflected by quick action
in the Senate, Corzine added.