Dear Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, and urges the House to pass this bipartisan legislation.
America’s water infrastructure is a backbone of economic growth. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays an indispensable role in managing the water resources that move goods, protect communities, support energy and manufacturing, and help businesses compete. When Corps projects move efficiently, supply chains are more reliable, communities are more resilient, and the economy is better positioned to grow.
WRDA 2026 would help deliver these important results. By improving Corps permitting, strengthening inland navigation, supporting flood risk reduction, advancing water supply and drought-resilience tools, and providing greater flexibility for non-federal sponsors, the bill would reduce delays and bring greater certainty to communities and businesses working to build critical infrastructure.
These issues are directly tied to the Chamber’s Economic Growth and Opportunity Imperative. Sustained growth requires modern infrastructure, reliable water, resilient supply chains, and a permitting system that enables investment rather than slowing it down. WRDA is one of Congress’ most effective tools to meet that challenge.
The Chamber commends the bipartisan leadership behind H.R. 9497 and urges swift passage on the House floor under suspension of the rules.
Sincerely,
Rodney Davis
Senior Vice President
Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
