On Tuesday, the Senate failed to secure the 60 votes
needed to proceed to consideration of S. 1140, legislation that would
have overturned the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Waters of the
United States” (WOTUS) rulemaking.
But it’s not all bad news. NAHB solidified the support of 58 Senators. Democratic Sens. Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Claire McCaskill (Mo.), along with all 54 Republican senators, voted in support of S. 1140.
The Senate then took up the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution disapproving the WOTUS rule, which passed by a majority vote. Passage of the CRA would force the EPA to withdraw the rule.
The Federation showed a strong, united front in responding to the call to action. Members ensured that NAHB’s voice was heard on Capitol Hill. Thousands of emails, letters, phone calls and personal appeals were made to Senate offices.
“Our members’ efforts were critical to our outreach,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods. “This week’s response from our members is a testament to the impact we can have when our industry’s important issues are being debated in Congress. We cannot thank them enough.”
Thursday’s vote was another step in stopping these onerous regulations – which do nothing to improve the health of the nation’s wetlands, Woods pointed out.
“With your continued support and engagement, we will ensure that these burdensome regulations are rolled back,” he said.