NACWA continued its active work on Capitol Hill last week, meeting with staff from key members of Congress and committees of jurisdiction that will impact the Association’s advocacy agenda. Several committees also held their organizational meetings and announced their leadership for the new Congress.

In the House, the Transportation & Infrastructure – Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee will be led by Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA). Rep. Graves has a unique background that includes chairing the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) in Louisiana, and advising former Governor Jindal on energy, environment, fisheries and disasters. Chairman Graves succeeds Rep. Gibbs (R-OH), who was term-limited. The Subcommittee Ranking Member will remain Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and the Full Committee will again be led by Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

In the Senate, Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced that the Interior & Environment Appropriations Subcommittee will be led by Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Tom Udall (D-NM).

NACWA congratulates, and looks forward to working with, these congressional leaders!