Press Releases
Womack Statement on House Passage of Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill
Washington,
October 26, 2023
Tags:
Energy
Washington, DC—October 26, 2023…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted for the FY24 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which passed out of the House of Representatives today. Congressman Womack said, "The benefits of responsible investments in our energy supply and waterways flow directly to the American public. This bill is laser-focused on boosting economic competitiveness, advancing national security priorities, and strengthening infrastructure across communities. I'm glad Arkansas' Third is taken care of by including the necessary White River Basin Water Resource Management Study and vital funding for the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), which allows for the safest, most economical, and fuel-efficient way to move our nation's goods.” Bill breakdown: The FY24 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that bolster our national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness. It terminates the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, returning to state control of waterways that historically have not fallen under federal jurisdiction. For Arkansas' Third Congressional District specifically, it funds the White River Basin Water Resource Management Study to provide a comprehensive water resource management strategy that seeks sustainable water resource management while considering flood risk management, environmental protection, water supply, hydropower generation, agricultural practices, and social well-being. It also includes funding for the construction and operations and maintenance of the MKARNS system, allowing the United States Army Corps of Engineers to make much-needed updates. Appropriations recap: The FY24 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee on June 22, 2023. The House of Representatives has now passed 5 of the 12 FY24 appropriations bills. The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill passed on July 27, 2023, and the Defense, Homeland Security, and State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bills passed on September 28, 2023. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’ Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. ### |