Barrasso and Carper Praise House Passage of America’s Water Infrastructure Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on EPW, released the following statements on the House of Representatives passing S. 3021, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. The House passed the legislation unanimously by voice vote.

“President Trump has called on Congress to pass major infrastructure legislation,” said Senator Barrasso. “America’s Water Infrastructure Act answers that call. This bill will help protect communities from flooding, create jobs, and reduce the deficit. It authorizes important projects and increases local involvement in the decision making process. Simply put, this bill is good for the entire nation. The House has taken the first important step by passing this legislation. The Senate can now follow suit and send it to President Trump to sign into law.”

“Congress is now a step closer to passing a major water infrastructure bill that delivers for American families and our economy,” said Senator Carper. “This bill invests in modernizing the water infrastructure that keeps this country moving, creates clean energy jobs here at home, and incentivizes businesses to buy and use American steel and iron for critical infrastructure projects. I’m also proud that for the first time in over 20 years, this bill reauthorizes a program that provides states with crucial funding to clean up drinking water and restore storm-damaged water systems. And as extreme weather events that threaten American lives and our country’s infrastructure grow more powerful and prevalent, the passage of this bill – that will help protect coastal communities from the risks of flooding – has never been more important. That it was passed by voice vote in the House reflects the widespread support for this bill, and I hope the Senate will act swiftly to get this to the president’s desk.”

Earlier this week, both Barrasso and Carper announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the comprehensive water infrastructure legislation with the leadership from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill is the most sweeping infrastructure package to be considered this Congress. It grows the economy, keeps communities safe, cuts red tape and is fiscally responsible. For more information on the legislation, click here.

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