Senate approves WRDA bill, sends it to Biden

By Miranda Willson | 12/19/2024 06:30 AM EST

The “Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act” would authorize Army Corps of Engineers’ projects.

Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Tom Carper (D-Del.) presides over a hearing.

This year's water projects bill is named after Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Tom Carper (D-Del.), who is retiring from Congress. Francis Chung/POLITICO

The Senate easily passed a major water infrastructure bill Wednesday that could help address flooding and extreme weather, improve navigation, and restore wetlands.

The “Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act” sailed through the House last week and now heads to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature. The final Senate vote was 97-1, with Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee the lone opponent.

The compromise bill would authorize over a dozen new Army Corps of Engineers projects, with several focused on reducing flooding risks in coastal areas.

In addition, the bill would direct the agency to study over 200 future projects and make policy changes that lawmakers say could help move water projects forward more efficiently.

GET FULL ACCESS