News

Congressional efforts to kill WOTUS continue

Congressional efforts to kill the controversial Clean Water Act rule—often referred to as the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule—are expected to pick up steam in the coming weeks.

Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith, who filed a joint resolution of disapproval for the rule back in July, says it’s a federal government overreach that was never intended by Congress.

“Sometimes Congress has passed legislation that’s somewhat vague, but that’s not the case here,” Smith says. “In this case, Congress very specifically limited the jurisdiction of the federal government to ‘navigable waters’—and yet the EPA doesn’t see that as specific enough with what they would like to do.”

Smith’s resolution was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, but hasn’t moved since. But Smith remains hopeful.

“I’m hoping we can get this to a vote, according to the timeframe that needs to take place, by early November,” he says.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has filed a similar resolution in the Senate. The Senate has also attached amendments to budget bills that would prevent government funds from being used to implement the rule.

AUDIO: Rep. Adrian Smith