Federal Issues

Senate Passes WOTUS CRA Resolution

April 7, 2023

Senate Passes WOTUS CRA Resolution

On March 29, 2023, the Senate passed a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) of the waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule by a vote of 53-43, which was passed by the House earlier this month. This was a bipartisan vote, with Senators Rosen (D-NV), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Manchin (D-WV), Tester (D-MT) and Sinema (I-AZ) joining Republicans to support the measure.

The WOTUS CRA resolution now goes to President Biden, who has publicly stated he will veto it. If the President does so, and Congress votes to override the veto, the resolution would block the WOTUS rule and revert to pre-2015 regulations and guidance.

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