NCGA Calls for Support of Senate Floor-bound WRDA (7-14-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is continuing to encourage support for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which is heading to the Senate floor next week. The legislation would authorize construction of seven new locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers as well as major environmental restoration measures along the rivers.

NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson said he is pleased S.728, a top legislative priority for corn growers, is headed for the Senate floor.

“We are thrilled to see a bill that corn growers have worked on for so many years finally head to the Senate floor for a vote,” he said. “The economics of this bill are simple; it will have a positive impact on businesses and consumers as well as the agricultural industry. The transportation infrastructure in this country must be maintained at the highest level. We are hopeful the Senate will support this bill and pass it next week.”

Senate debate on S.728 is expected to begin late in the day on Tuesday, July 18, and carry over into Wednesday. 

Tumbleson noted corn growers will continue their strong voice in support of WRDA until the final vote is tallied.

“Our grassroots cannot let up,” he said. “The Senate must continue to hear from corn growers that lock modernization is necessary for a strong agricultural economy. It also is important corn growers ask their senators to oppose efforts to change national water policy by Senators Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.). Their amendments will create endless bureaucratic barriers to moving forward with these long-overdue infrastructure improvements.”

He said the McCain-Feingold Corps of Engineers reform amendments strangle projects crucial to maintaining a robust water resources program -- including modernization on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River system -- by imposing redundant bureaucratic layers that go far beyond true reform. 

“We respectfully disagree with Senators McCain and Feingold on their philosophy toward national waterways policy,” Tumbleson said. “We believe their amendments would thwart modernization of our nation’s infrastructure and put us at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.”

He said NCGA fully supports amendments being offered by Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) that provide a sensible and workable solution on project prioritization and independent peer review.

NCGA urges corn growers to contact their senators by phone to have maximum impact on WRDA passage. Growers can call the Senate switchboard at 202-224- 3121 and ask to be connected to their senator’s office.