The Senate and House decided to put an end to the tedious seven year wait and voted overwhelmingly for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that includes wetland protection, flood protection, levee repair and construction, and dredging of our navigable waters and ports.
But today the President vetoed this bipartisan bill that strengthens avenues of commerce all over the country and provides critical coastal protection. Louisiana’s recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita is dependent upon the projects this bill authorizes.
The $7 billion investment in protecting Louisiana communities from future storms rising in the Gulf is truly an historic commitment to coastal restoration in our state.
I am disappointed that the President chose to veto this essential legislation, but I stand united with the Louisiana delegation to work to override the veto in the House and Senate. With so much on the line for our state, we will fight to enact this vital bill with or without the President’s consent.
I spoke with Majority Leader Harry Reid, and he promised to schedule a Senate vote to override the veto at the earliest opportunity following the House, which is expected to act as early as Tuesday.