Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, or WRDA 2026. As chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, it has been an honor to continue the biennial tradition of enacting a WRDA bill, delivering critical water resource infrastructure improvements across America. The 119th Congress marks the seventh consecutive Congress to consider WRDA legislation since returning to the regular 2-year schedule in 2014.
Sam Graves
Sam Graves
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to emphasize the importance of regularly considering bipartisan infrastructure bills like WRDA. For the last seven Congresses, the committee has worked together to enact a WRDA bill that addresses water resource needs across this country, allowing the Corps of Engineers to make necessary improvements to flood control infrastructure, ports, harbors, and inland waterways. This legislation would not be possible without the input of my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1342. This legislation is simple, but it is a very necessary fix. It ensures that when the Federal Government responds to a crisis, disaster victims are helped regardless of their political affiliation. This may seem like common sense, but both the work of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General revealed that this body needs to act affirmatively on this issue. I am grateful to Mr. Perry for his leadership on this topic, both in this Congress and the last. Mr.
- B.S., University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO1986
U.S. Representative
2001-PresentRepresenting Missouri's 6th district
Member, Missouri Senate
1994–2000Member, Missouri House of Representatives
1992–93Farmer
Key legislative actions from Sam Graves's record in Congress.
Transportation Infrastructure
Championed the FAST Act, securing long-term federal funding for highways and transportation projects.
Aviation Policy
Led efforts to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
Flood Control Funding
Secured federal disaster relief and funding for Missouri communities impacted by severe flooding.
Rural Broadband Expansion
Advocated for increased federal investment in rural broadband access to improve connectivity in underserved areas.
- House Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureChair
- House Committee on Armed Services
Rep. Sam Graves FAQ
Reach Missouri Lawmakers
Representative Graves focuses on Transportation and Public Works, Health and Education. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Missouri's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign