Statement of Senator Jim Jeffords
Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
Water Resources Programs
June 18, 2002
Today we are going to hear from the Administration and a panel of
witnesses on the Army Corps of Engineers water resources programs. Since the passage of the Water Resources
Development Act of 1986, every Administration has submitted a biennial
legislative proposal to the Congress, containing project authorizations and
policy initiatives. I understand a
proposal from the Acting Assistant Secretary is at the Office of Management and
Budget. However, we have not received a
proposal yet.
There is very little time remaining in this legislative
session. If we want to act this year,
we are going to have to move forward.
Working with Senator Smith and members of this Committee, I hope
to introduce a legislative proposal before the July 4th work
period.
Many want the legislative proposal that this Committee considers
to include what is being referred to as Corps reform. There have been press reports and GAO reports suggesting that the
Corps needs an overhaul.
One of the reasons we are here today is to get input from our
witnesses on possible changes to the Corps' water resources programs - how the
Corps could be more effective and efficient.
Senator Smith and Senator Feingold, who is joining us this
afternoon, have introduced legislation that would make several changes in the
way the Corps does business.
I intend to consider all views and work to develop legislation
that will keep the Corps on its biennial planning schedule and help the Corps
deliver their much needed services of storm damage reduction, navigation and
environmental restoration.