House Speaker John Boehner appointed Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) to the bipartisan Conference Committee for the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).
Last month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed WRRDA with a vote of 417 to 3; sending the legislation to conference with the Senate-passed companion bill.
The House and Senate Conferees will soon meet to negotiate the differences in legislation passed by their respective chamber. Having a staunch advocate for South Carolina’s ports and ports across the Southeast, will greatly benefit our region and ensure that South Carolina and the Southeast remain competitive.
“ I am humbled to have been selected as a WRRDA Conferee and look forward to working with my colleagues to improve our country’s water infrastructure, ” said Congressman Rice. “ My district sent me to Washington to work on our infrastructure needs and the needs of the state. Since joining the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have made it my goal to do whatever it takes to champion South Carolina’s ports. I am proud the House overwhelming passed this reform-focused legislation because it gives our nation’s infrastructure—including the Georgetown Port—the attention it needs for us to compete globally .”
“ Since joining the committee, Congressman Rice has clearly expressed the importance of water infrastructure and the invaluable role our ports play in the American economy ,” said Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA). “ Tom has advocated for making sure ports in South Carolina, the Southeast, and the United States are ready for post-Panamax container ships. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to tour infrastructure in the Palmetto State with Congressman Rice, and I look forward to continue working with Tom on this Conference Committee as we work with the Senate to improve our country’s water infrastructure. ”
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Press Release, November 18, 2013