To the Members of the United States House of Representatives:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 8812, the “Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA),” which is critical to providing the policy and strategic investments necessary to modernize maritime infrastructure, build resilience, and stimulate economic growth. The Chamber will consider including votes on this legislation in our annual "How They Voted" scorecard.
America’s network of navigable waterways, locks, dams, terminals, and marinas help create and maintain the businesses and jobs necessary for resilient supply chains and growing trade. This network is responsible for supporting more than one-quarter of the total U.S. economy, contributing $5.4 trillion in economic activity each year. Vessels traveling on this network handle approximately 42% of the value and just less than 71% of the weight of U.S. international trade.
WRDA ensures this network will keep pace with economic growth and user demand by providing strategic investments to enhance navigation, manage flood risk, and maintain inland waterways. Such investments will benefit our economy, our businesses, and our workers. Failure to provide these investments would have devastating impacts to our supply chains and the export and import of critical commodities, including agriculture and energy products. A recent report prepared by the Chamber, the U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Allstate highlights that for every $1 invested in preparedness and predisaster mitigation solutions - such as the important work of the Corps of Engineers addressed by this bill - there are $13 in reduced damage and economic losses for communities and companies alike.
We urge the House to swiftly consider and pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2024.
Sincerely,
Tom Wickham Senior Vice President U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
