Rep. Silvio Conte's (R-MA) amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations Act removed a provision in an Army Corps of Engineers project, the Cooper Lake project in northeast Texas. The Cooper Lake project was authorized by Congress in 1955 to provide flood control, water supply, and recreation for the surrounding areas. The Conte amendment would have deleted the words "at full federal expense" from the recreation portion of the authorization bill. This would have required the state to match the federal funds for the recreation facilities.

Environmentalists often oppose costly and environmentally threatening water projects, and support cost-sharing measures. Requiring states to share the cost of water projects usually ensures that the project will not go forward unless it is truly necessary. The Conte amendment was defeated 179-238 (June 28, 1989). Yes is the pro-environment vote.