Waiting for WRDA: Floor Votes Not Expected Until After Recess

摘要

Advocates of a new water-resources bill probably won't see congressional floor action on that key infrastructure measure until, at the earliest, September, industry officials say. At ENR press time, it appeared that the House and Senate would begin their long summer recess on July 15 without voting on two different Water Resources Development Acts, or WRDAs, that have cleared committee. John Doyle, special counsel with law and lobbying firm Jones Walker LLP, says, "It seems to me that it's highly unlikely that it's going to hap- pen before the mid-July break." The American Association of Port Authorities sought a Senate vote by July 15, says Jim Walker, director of navigation policy and legislation. He adds, "Every passing day narrows the window." Another source agrees with that view but cautions. "The Senate behaves in strange ways, and an opening could conceivably develop."