Congressional Hearing on Energy and Water Funding for 2018
January 1, 2018
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The Frame
The hearing addresses federal funding priorities for national water infrastructure, specifically the Poe Lock, which facilitates the movement of goods representing 13% of the U.S. Gross National Product.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Great Lakes manufacturing and steel industries
These industries rely on the Poe Lock for the transport of raw materials like iron ore.
U.S. taxpayers
Taxpayers fund the federal appropriations that maintain national infrastructure projects like the Soo Narrows locks.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2018.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on March 8, 2017, by the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
- The Poe Lock at the Soo Narrows facilitates the transport of goods accounting for 13% of the U.S. Gross National Product.
- A Department of Homeland Security study indicated that a failure of the Soo Narrows locks could result in 7 to 10 million job losses.
- The Great Lakes regional economy would rank as the fourth most powerful economic nation in the world if it were an independent country.
- The Poe Lock is critical for transporting iron ore from Minnesota and Wisconsin to steel mills in the Great Lakes region.
- The hearing included testimony from Representatives Richard M. Nolan and Francis Rooney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this hearing?
Why was the Poe Lock discussed?
Why It Matters
The hearing addresses federal funding priorities for national water infrastructure, specifically the Poe Lock, which facilitates the movement of goods representing 13% of the U.S. Gross National Product.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Infrastructure Security Focus
The testimony emphasizes a shift toward framing water infrastructure maintenance as a matter of national economic security rather than just routine civil works.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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