By a vote of 399-25, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a two year Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization bill, supported by the American Soybean Association (ASA). The bill authorizes waterways infrastructure programs and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), which allow soybean farmers to transport their crop and remain competitive in the global market.

The WRDA passed by the House is a modest measure that builds on the comprehensive WRDA enacted in 2014, and demonstrates the commitment and ability of Congress to return to the routine of reauthorizing WRDA every two years.

Notably, the bill passed by the full House does not include a provision that was in the version passed by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to make the HMTF mandatory funding beginning in 2027, rather than fully subject to annual appropriations. Law established in the 2014 WRDA does provide a schedule for increasing the amount of HMTF funds that must be appropriated annually through 2025.This funding schedule ramps funding up to 100 percent of HMTF revenues by 2025 and, so far, the Appropriations Committees have met the obligations.

The Senate passed their version of the WRDA bill on Sept.  15 and the measure will go to Conference Committee during the lame duck session after the elections. Congressional leaders are optimistic that an agreement will be reached by the Conference Committee and a bill sent to the President by the end of the year.

Passage in the House Wednesday was facilitated by an agreement to include funding in the bill to address drinking water issues in Flint, Mich. This provision paved the way for the WRDA to move through the House and for Congress to complete the separate Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown and recess until after Election Day.