Reps. Torres and Latimer Introduce the Army Corps Congressional Engagement Act

Today, Congressmen Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and George Latimer (NY-16) announced the introduction of the Army Corps Congressional Engagement Act, legislation requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commanders to provide annual briefings to Members of Congress on the status, funding, and timelines of projects in their districts. The bill responds to growing communication barriers imposed by Defense Secretary Hegseth that have made it harder for congressional offices to get basic updates on flood control, environmental restoration, and resiliency projects affecting local communities.

Under the legislation, the Army Corps would be required to brief congressional offices each year on projects in their watersheds, including progress, funding, potential delays, environmental impacts, and future needs.

“In Congress, we cannot do our jobs if federal agencies are kept behind a wall of silence,” said Congressman Torres. “Secretary Hegseth has implemented unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that are slowing communication and making it harder for both Congress and the Army Corps to carry out critical work on behalf of the American people. This legislation restores transparency and accountability by ensuring Members have the timely information they need to deliver for their communities and oversee projects funded with taxpayer dollars.”

“Communication between Congress and the Executive Branch is critical to ensuring that the federal government is effectively delivering for our constituents,” said Congressman Latimer. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a vital federal partner to local communities in helping reduce flood risk, construct environmental infrastructure, and manage coastal storm threats. This bill will ensure that Members of Congress and the Army Corps can work together more constructively to deliver projects for the American people. I commend Congressman Ritchie Torres for his partnership on this legislation, and I look forward to advancing this effort as part of the Water Resources Development Act.”

The legislation builds on ongoing oversight efforts related to delayed updates on restoration and resiliency work in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary and Harlem River, and is intended to be advanced as part of this year’s Water Resources Development Act.