Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) arrives at the State of the Union on Feb. 24. She emphasized the need for improving project delivery in the next WRDA. (Kenny Holston/Bloomberg)
February 27, 2026 11:00 AM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Republicans are prioritizing streamlined permitting as Congress prepares this year’s Water Resources Development Act to improve Army Corps project delivery.
- Supporters say WRDA boosts supply chain efficiency by funding ports, dams and waterways, while lawmakers highlight needs for flood mitigation and climate resilience.
- Congressional committees plan to consider the next WRDA package before the end of the year as they evaluate new authorizations and community partnerships.
WASHINGTON — Streamlining the permitting process for infrastructure projects is among Republicans’ top priorities as Congress prepares to consider comprehensive waterways legislation this year.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R‑W.Va.), chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said improving project delivery at the Army Corps of Engineers will be a central focus of the upcoming Water Resources Development Act.
The biennial bill, which authorizes major water resources projects and policies at the Corps, remains on track for passage before the end of the year.
“It is important that any WRDA bill supports the timely and efficient delivery of water resources projects while continuing to meet national missions,” Capito said during a Feb. 25 hearing. “Flexibility is key to ensuring that the Corps can identify and carry out solutions that are tailored to the needs of each community.”
Capito said she also intends to pursue WRDA provisions focused on flood‑mitigation programs and projects that improve connectivity.
“I look forward to making sure that the next WRDA bill contains the necessary authorizations and authorities for the Corps to continue to carry out this important work,” she added.
RELATED: Congress Reviews Legislation to Improve Commercial Waterways
WRDA supporters credit the legislation with playing a vital role in strengthening supply chain efficiency. The bill is designed to improve connectivity and fund ports, dams, waterways, canals and locks — projects that often underpin commerce in congressional districts nationwide. Since 2014, Congress has enacted WRDA on a biennial basis.
The Northern Grain Belt Ports Region in Wisconsin and Minnesota. “Inland waterways are critical arteries for transportation and commerce,” Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R‑Ga.) said. (Corn Belt Ports)
A day before the EPW hearing, leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also examined policies affecting the nation’s commercial waterways. On Feb. 24, lawmakers on the GOP‑led panel reviewed Army Corps studies and projects aimed at flood mitigation, wetland restoration and connectivity improvements.
“Inland waterways are critical arteries for transportation and commerce,” Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R‑Ga.) said. “These critical assets that serve our nation’s economic and national security are in need of rehabilitation. The necessary maintenance for these projects is taking too long and costing taxpayers too much. In Congress, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money, and the Corps must do better to complete projects on time and on budget.”
Rep. Hillary Scholten (D‑Mich.), the subcommittee’s vice ranking member, linked water infrastructure investments to local economic priorities and called on the administration to expand projects that mitigate flooding and strengthen resilience to severe weather.
“At a time when the affordability crisis is affecting every corner of our country and our communities are navigating the threats of climate change,” Scholten said, “it is incumbent on Congress to prioritize keeping water resource projects affordable and resilient.”
For Rep. Rick Larsen (D‑Wash.), the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, WRDA priorities include authorizing next‑generation local water resource projects and studies. Larsen said communities should be able to partner affordably with the Corps to address water‑related challenges while ensuring projects account for climate change impacts, including stronger storms, rising sea levels and severe droughts.
The congressional transportation committees plan to schedule consideration of the next WRDA package before the end of the second year of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Over the years, WRDA has sought to expand access along connectivity corridors, improve last‑mile port operations and strengthen efficiency across supply chains.
The most recent WRDA was enacted in January 2025 by former President Joe Biden. According to background materials provided by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, “WRDA projects have national, regional and local significance and help strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country and abroad, protect communities and create jobs.”
