Smith Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution of Disapproval to Block WOTUS

Resolution mirrors House legislation introduced by Smith in July

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed S.J. Res. 22 to block implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) by congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. This legislation, introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), is a companion bill to Smith’s H.J. Res. 59 introduced in the U.S. House in July.

“WOTUS is one of the largest abuses of executive power in modern history, posing a significant threat to Nebraska’s agriculture economy,” Smith said. “While the Obama administration defiantly pushed forward with this damaging rule, I introduced the resolution of disapproval in the House to ensure Congress did not miss an opportunity to block this regulatory overreach.

“With today’s passage of the resolution in the Senate, I am optimistic the House will soon consider this legislation and send it to President Obama’s desk. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for standing up for rural Americans and following through on our commitment to using every available tool to prevent this devastating rule from ever being implemented.”