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Energy and Water Appropriations Bill passes

The U.S. House has passed the FY 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

The bill’s language boosts funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects to improve waterways function.

Ohio Congressman Bob Gibbs describes the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill as one step further toward funding the country’s infrastructure and ensuring energy security.

“I am pleased to see that the language in this bill backstops the EPA’s harmful Waters of the United States rule, prohibits the Corps from using funds for open lake placement of dredged material in Lake Erie unless the material meets state water quality requirements,” Gibbs said.

Joining the Congressman in support of the bill is the American Soybean Association (ASA). The ASA has identified waterways function and infrastructure as a priority for agriculture.

“Soybean farmers commend the House for its leadership and for placing a priority on funding to support our waterways transportation network,” said ASA President Wade Cowan, a soybean farmer from Brownfield, Texas. “The waterways and ports are vital to the efficient transportation of soybeans and other major commodities and a key factor in maintaining competitiveness for U.S. soybeans in global export markets.”

While the Senate still has to act on the bill, it could be facing a Presidential veto. According to a statement from the White House, the president’s advisors would recommend he veto the bill because of reductions to certain energy programs that are priorities for the Administration.