Press Releases

On Thursday, Congressman Larry Bucshon was appointed as a conferee on the Water Resource Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) by Speaker of the House John Boehner and Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bill Shuster.

“I am honored to be selected, for the second time in my Congressional tenure, as a conferee on legislation that is important to Indiana,” said Bucshon. “The 8th district is home to the Mt. Vernon Port, which is one of the largest inland ports in the Nation and I look forward to bringing the perspective of all of our state’s ports and waterways to the table as we craft this critical legislation. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from both chambers of Congress to help improve our nation’s water infrastructure and economy.”

WRRDA passed the House on October 23, 2013 by a vote of 417 to 3 and provides reforms to our nation’s water transportation system that are critical for Indiana’s ports and waterways.

“Dr. Bucshon has been a tremendous advocate for Indiana’s waterways and ports,” said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. “The water resource legislation includes a number of important policy initiatives crucial to Indiana's Ohio River and Lake Michigan ports.  These include reconstruction of federal navigation locks, maintenance of deep draft harbors, and preservation of commerce through the Chicago Area Waterway System. As a member of the House-Senate conference committee, Dr. Bucshon will have a seat at the table for crafting this final version of the legislation and is well positioned to protect Indiana's interests.”

As a House conferee, Bucshon will work to develop a final version of the WRRDA bill with his Senate colleagues.

“Dr. Bucshon has been a valuable member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said Rep. Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “I am pleased that he will continue his contribution as a conferee on WRRDA. Dr. Bucshon will play an integral role in working with our Senate colleagues to ensure our country has an efficient and effective water transportation system.”

Last year, Bucshon was selected as a conferee on the Surface Highway Transportation Bill Reauthorization during the 112th Congress.