U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Shelley Moore Capito announced on July 13 that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will mark up the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 on Wednesday, July 15.
The Water Resources Development Act is biennial legislation authorizing flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The act also reauthorizes Environmental Protection Agency drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including State Revolving Funds. The legislation was developed with input from Senators Kevin Cramer, Angela Alsobrooks, and Adam Schiff.
“Our markup to advance this significant package of legislation demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s water infrastructure. The Ocean State stands to benefit much from this bill, which supports investments in safe drinking water and wastewater systems as well as flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse.
Chairman Capito said, “The Army Corps of Engineers conducts essential work to modernize water resources infrastructure, manage risk from floods and coastal storms, and improve navigation along our waterways and at Ports. This work protects lives and property, and bolsters our economy. As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am proud to have led this bipartisan effort in crafting WRDA 2026… This bill includes key wins for West Virginia and all fifty states. I hope to see it move forward with strong bipartisan support during Wednesday’s business meeting.” Senator Alsobrooks highlighted provisions benefiting Maryland: “I’m especially proud to have fought for provisions that deliver real results for Maryland — from increasing the federal cost share for the Cumberland flood risk management project to extending federal participation in the Assateague Island Shoreline Restoration… We’re working together to modernize our infrastructure… That is worth celebrating.” Senator Cramer said, “This year’s WRDA is a testament to the continued cooperation of the committee… The bill delivers wins for communities across North Dakota and the nation by authorizing critical water infrastructure programs…” Senator Schiff added, “In California, these investments will lower rising water bills, provide necessary flood protection, and modernize aging infrastructure to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water.”
According to the official website, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee maintains its administrative base in the Senate Dirksen Office Building; oversees federal programs related to environmental quality; handles nationwide environmental legislation; influences policy on regulations; collaborates through subcommittees on topics such as clean air; chairs include Shelley Moore Capito among other members.