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HOUSE PASSES WRDA 2026
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The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, by a vote of 415 to 9 on September 16th. This bipartisan legislation addresses critical water resources infrastructure needs across the country by authorizing locally driven projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and advancing policy reforms to improve project delivery. WRDA 2026 supports improvements to ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and coastal storm risk management, dam safety, and other essential water resources infrastructure. Because of the important infrastructure improvements provided under WRDA, the bill has attracted broad support from an array of stakeholders. Enacted every two years since 2014, WRDA reflects Congress' continued commitment to strengthening the nation's water resources infrastructure, supporting communities, and promoting economic growth.
Read more about WRDA 2026 here.
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COMMITTEE ACTIVITY
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Committee Approves Bills to Strengthen Maritime Cybersecurity, Increase Oversight of Federal Real Estate, Improve Aviation Safety, and More
On September 15th, the T&I Committee approved legislation advancing efforts to strengthen aviation safety and innovation, ensure greater access to the aviation system for our rural communities, enhance maritime cybersecurity, improve oversight and accountability of the federal real estate portfolio, and provide greater certainty and efficiency in the certification process for new and novel technologies.
Read more about the markup here.
Always Ready: A Day in the Life of a United States Coast Guard Member
Enlisted servicemembers discuss day-to-day operations and stories with Committee Members at a private luncheon prior to the hearing on September 16th.
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The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee held a hearing after a luncheon with servicemembers to examine the day-to-day work of the Coast Guard's enlisted workforce and the challenges servicemembers face while carrying out the Service's critical missions. Members heard about the enlisted workforce's role in lifesaving operations, drug and migrant interdiction, maritime security, and maintaining the safety and reliability of the nation's maritime transportation system. Participants highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the Coast Guard's enlisted workforce while emphasizing the need for continued investment in adequate housing, training facilities, modern equipment and infrastructure, and other resources that directly affect servicemember readiness and quality of life. Members discussed the importance of ensuring Coast Guard servicemembers have the resources, working conditions, and support necessary to safely and efficiently carry out their missions.
More information about the subcommittee hearing can be found here.
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MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT
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As Chairman of the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, Rep. Scott Perry spearheaded legislation to strengthen oversight of the federal real estate portfolio and improve transparency in how federal office space is managed. His bill approved by the Committee on September 15th - the Strengthening Oversight in Public Buildings Act of 2026 (H.R. 10305) - builds on public buildings reforms enacted in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 by expanding access to space utilization data and strengthening reporting requirements. Rep. Perry has represented Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District since 2013, following nearly 40 years of military experience.
Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds
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Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP) introduced the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of 2026 (H.R. 6448), which would lower the local cost share for certain Airport Improvement Program projects in economically distressed communities that have lost Essential Air Service. The legislation, approved the Committee on September 15th, is intended to make critical airport infrastructure investments more accessible to rural communities without increasing AIP funding or expanding the EAS program. Rep. King-Hinds also serves on the House Small Business and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
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