Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was elected as the Ranking Member and top Democrat to the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

“The environment and water are the backbone of South Florida and essential to the future of our nation,” said Ranking Member Frederica Wilson. “From the Everglades to Key Biscayne, to our beaches and our ports, protecting these treasures isn’t just important—it’s critical to the survival and prosperity of our communities. That’s why I’m honored to serve as the new Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. We are facing a climate crisis, and South Florida stands at ground zero. As the leading Democrat in Congress on this issue, I’m ready to fight for climate-resilient infrastructure, safeguard our water supply, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Over the next two years, I will work tirelessly to be a champion for clean water, our environment, and the future of our planet.”

The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee consist generally of matters relating to water resources development, conservation and management, water pollution control and water infrastructure, and hazardous waste cleanup. 

Issues and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee include:

·       Water resources programs of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)

·       Clean Water Act

·       Superfund (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

·       Water infrastructure and watershed protection programs

·       Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

·       Brownfields program

·       Ocean dumping

·       Oil pollution of navigable waters of the United States

·       Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

·       Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

·       Small watershed program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

·       Deepwater ports

·       Invasive/aquatic nuisance species

·       Coastal pollution and coastal zone management

·       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

·       Natural resource damages provisions in Superfund and the Oil Pollution Act

·       Groundwater protection

·       Water resources policy

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson represents several areas at high risk for climate change, including many coastal cities such as Miami Beach, Miami, Bal Harbour Village, the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, the Town of Golden Beach, Indian Creek Village, North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach, the Town of Surfside, Miami Shores Village, and the Village of Biscayne Park.

As part of her previous work, she founded the Florida’s Ports Caucus in Congress and serves as chair. Additionally, when Congresswoman Wilson was first elected to Congress, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) was not renewed biennially due to partisan gridlock. As founder and Chair of the bipartisan Florida Ports Caucus, Congresswoman Wilson successfully brought together Republicans and Democrats to push for the biennial renewal of WRDA to ensure it addresses the current needs of our communities.

The Water Resources Development Act is a biennial piece of legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection systems, and other critical water infrastructure. These locally-driven projects—like the dredging in Port Miami and other ports—not only benefit regional communities but also have a broader national impact, boosting global competitiveness, strengthening the supply chain, fostering economic growth, and safeguarding communities from flooding.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has served on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee since 2017.

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