Representative Bill Flores (R-TX) offered an amendment to H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013, which would block implementation of ocean policy programs that improve the health and management of our oceans and the Great Lakes. The amendment would prohibit the Army Corps of Engineers from coordinating with states, other agencies, and the public on plans to ensure the safe and productive use of our nation’s oceans and Great Lakes. The National Ocean Policy, created by an Executive Order, directs government agencies with differing mandates to work together to improve ocean health and also ensures that all competing interests, including conservationists, fishermen, scientists, shipping companies, port managers, energy developers, and those who live and work in ocean communities all have a voice in creating solutions for the many problems facing our oceans. On October 23, the House approved the Flores amendment by a vote of 225-193 (House roll call vote 557). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. As of this writing, the Flores amendment is under consideration as part of the Water Resources Development Act conference committee.