Water Resources Measure Still Lacking Senate Vote

By Tulsa World, Okla.

Aug. 4–WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate failed to vote Friday on a bill that would authorize millions for the Arkansas River development plan and the ongoing Tar Creek buyout.

Supporters of the $20 billion Water Resources Development Act remain hopeful that senators will vote on it before leaving town for their August break.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., one of the major players in putting the legislation together, continued to defend it against criticism from the Bush administration, which has said the president will veto it if it gets to his desk.

Using his position as the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Inhofe inserted provisions to authorize $50 million for the Arkansas River effort and $30 million to complete the Tar Creek buyout.

The bill also would authorize billions for projects nationwide.

“This is something that this country cannot do without,” Inhofe said, reminding critics that the bill does not spend money but sets guidelines for future appropriations bills.

“We have a crisis in our infrastructure.”

A key official of the Bush administration did not let up, however.

During

a briefing, Rob Portman, who is leaving as head of the Office of Management and Budget, once again singled out the water resources bill as a budget buster.

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