1 March 2019

Earmarks Not Returning for FY 2020 Appropriations Cycle; House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Deadlines Set for FY20 Requests

House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) announced yesterday in a letter sent to her House colleagues that “there is currently not the necessary bipartisan, bicameral agreement to allow the Appropriations Committee to earmark. For that reason, I do not expect Fiscal Year 2020 House spending bills to include Congressionally-directed spending.” So, unfortunately, earmarks will not be returning this year for the FY 2020 Appropriations cycle. However, Chairwoman Lowey goes on to state in her letter that “Over the coming months, Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate must discuss the issue of earmarks in our respective caucuses and conferences to determine member preferences, solicit ideas to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and when applicable, change rules to permit members to request earmarks.” Senate Appropriators also announced that they do not plan on reviving earmarks for the FY 2020 appropriations cycle, following the lead of the House.

Additionally, the House Appropriations Committee announced subcommittee deadlines for House members to submit FY 2020 Appropriations/Programmatic requests to the Committee . The announced deadlines for the 12 House Appropriations Subcommittees all fall between March 28—April 4, 2019. The announced deadlines for the 12 Senate Appropriations Subcommittees all fall between April 5--26, 2019.

Here are the 12 House Appropriations Subcommittee deadlines:

Agriculture-FDA: April 4
Commerce-Justice-Science: April 1
Defense: April 1
Energy and Water Development: April 1
Financial Services-General Government: April 4
Homeland Security: April 4
Interior-Environment: April 1
Labor-Health and Human Services-Education: March 28
Legislative Branch: March 28
Military Construction-Veterans Affairs: March 28
State-Foreign Operations: March 28
Transportation-Housing and Urban Development: April 4

Here are the 12 Senate Appropriations Subcommittee deadlines:

Agriculture-FDA: April 18
Commerce-Justice-Science: April 9
Defense: April 12
Energy-Water Development: April 5
Financial Services-General Government: April 17
Homeland Security: April 16
Interior-Environment: April 22
Labor-Health and Human Services-Education: April 15
Legislative Branch: April 26
Military Construction-Veterans Affairs: April 19
State-Foreign Operations: April 26
Transportation-Housing and Urban Development: April 9

Blog Topic

Econ Dev

Overview

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the primary vehicle through which Congress authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects and establishes policy frameworks for water resource development nationwide. Enacted on a biennial schedule, WRDAs provide congressional authorization for USACE to conduct feasibility studies, construct flood risk reduction projects, improve navigation infrastructure, restore aquatic ecosystems, and assist with environmental infrastructure development.

Since the enactment of WRDA 1986, Congress has used these omnibus authorization bills to both create new USACE authorities and refine existing programs based on evolving national priorities and lessons learned from program implementation. Recent WRDAs have addressed critical issues including drought resilience, water supply development, infrastructure modernization, and support for economically disadvantaged communities.

The most recent legislation, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024, P.L. 118-272), continued Congress's bipartisan commitment to strengthening America's water infrastructure by authorizing new construction projects, modifying existing authorities, and establishing updated policy guidance for USACE operations. WRDA 2024 also authorized five new regional environmental infrastructure programs, each incorporating flexible delivery mechanisms that allow federal assistance to be provided through grants or reimbursements to nonfederal sponsors.

Authorization through WRDA is typically a prerequisite for USACE activities to receive federal appropriations through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process. This two-step framework—authorization followed by appropriation—ensures congressional oversight of both program scope and funding levels.

Section 219 Environmental Infrastructure

Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended, represents one of USACE's most geographically expansive environmental infrastructure assistance authorities. Originally enacted to authorize design assistance for 18 specific projects, Section 219 has been amended by subsequent Congresses to authorize both design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure in hundreds of municipalities, counties, and states across the nation.

The Congressional Research Service has identified over 600 environmental infrastructure assistance authorities with cumulative authorizations of appropriations totaling approximately $18.1 billion. Section 219 authorities constitute the majority of these geographically specific project authorizations, covering at least 46 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.

Section 219 projects address critical community needs including wastewater treatment facilities, water supply and distribution systems, stormwater management infrastructure, surface water protection, and environmental restoration. These projects support public health, environmental quality, and economic development in communities that have secured congressional authorization for USACE assistance.

Congress has continued to expand Section 219 in recent legislation. WRDA 2022 added 132 new Section 219 authorities and amended 24 existing authorities. WRDA 2024 authorized an additional 193 new Section 219 authorities and amended 53 existing authorities, providing a combined $5.4 billion increase in authorization of appropriations. WRDA 2024 also established a seven-year pilot program to increase the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for Section 219 projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.

Unlike traditional USACE water resource projects, Section 219 assistance does not require completion of the agency's standard feasibility study process. However, projects receiving Section 219 assistance must comply with applicable federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.

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US Congressional Calendar

9 December 2024

TFG Presents 2025 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2025 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 119th congressional session.