As the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee begins to consider proposals for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, I made it clear where my priorities stand.

WRDA isn’t just another infrastructure bill. It is Congress’ directive to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—and it determines how we manage water, protect ecosystems, and support local economies. For Florida’s 21st District, it’s personal and it’s our livelihoods. 

That’s why I’ve outlined clear priorities for WRDA 2026: 

• Accelerate Everglades Restoration: We must fully utilize new infrastructure like the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir to send the water south—where it naturally belongs—instead of being discharged east and west into our coastal estuaries. 

• Increased Accountability: When management decisions have a direct impact on our communities, transparency is non-negotiable. Congress and the American people should receive clear reporting on where water was sent, what impacts followed, and if better alternatives are out there. 

• Move Toward Measurable Environmental Standards: We shouldn’t rely on modeling alone. We can measure seagrass coverage, oyster health, nutrient loading, and harmful algal bloom risk. Restoration success should be determined by actual documented improvement—not predictions.

• Prioritize Projects that Work: Investments like muck removal in the Indian River Lagoon deliver us tangible water quality improvements. Every taxpayer dollar spent on restoration should have measurable benefit. 

• Modernize the Corps’ Operations: WRDA should improve how projects are delivered—expanding responsible use of private-sector design services, embracing digital tools to streamline reviews, increasing dredge fleet transparency, and eliminating unnecessary costs placed on non-federal partners. If we want projects done right and done efficiently, we have to remove outdated constraints.

I believe that with direction, standards, and accountability, we can better protect our waterways, strengthen our local economy, and deliver the best results possible for Florida’s 21st District. Stay tuned for more as this debate continues in Congress!