Burlison, Schmitt Welcome Administrative Action to Rein in Corps Enforcement at Table Rock Lake

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Senator Eric Schmitt (MO) today welcomed the decisive action by the Trump administration to address long-standing enforcement issues by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Table Rock Lake and to restore clarity for Missouri property owners.

Following the enactment of the Water Resources Development Act in January 2025, residents around Table Rock Lake continued to face enforcement actions based on a narrow interpretation of the law by the Corps’ Little Rock District despite clear congressional intent to protect long-standing, good-faith property uses. Homeowners reported being ordered to remove structures that had existed for decades, including cases that were supported by historical documentation and satellite imagery.

Congressman Burlison raised these concerns repeatedly with Corps leadership and senior Army officials in multiple meetings. Despite these efforts, enforcement pressures persisted at the district level, including actions related to dock-lease renewals.

Recent administrative steps by the Trump administration, including leadership changes within the Little Rock District and direct engagement by senior Army Corps civilian leadership, mark a significant turning point toward resolving the issue and aligning enforcement practices with congressional intent.

In announcing the leadership change, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle cited entrenched bureaucratic practices that have frustrated the public.

“We have incredible, patriotic people serving in our Corps of Engineers Districts throughout the nation, including in Little Rock, but we also have entrenched bureaucracies that have unnecessarily frustrated American citizens. For the first time in decades, under the Trump Administration, Commanders who fail to follow orders and overcome entrenched bureaucracy will be dealt with accordingly,” said Telle.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General William "Butch" Graham confirmed that the Little Rock District commander had been relieved of duty, underscoring expectations for leadership and accountability across the agency.

“Today, I made the decision to relieve the USACE Little Rock District commander based on a loss of confidence in his ability to command. This decision was made in the best interest of the District and the American public whom we proudly serve. District commanders across USACE are expected to demonstrate effective leadership committed to rapid and continuous transformation, less red tape, and a bias for action. Our highest priority remains efficiently delivering vital projects for the American people on-time and within budget, and this change reinforces our steadfast commitment,” said Graham.

“The Trump administration is taking proactive, decisive steps to ensure that these unreasonable interpretations come to an end,” said Congressman Burlison. “I have worked tirelessly with all parties involved to reach a commonsense outcome that respects congressional intent, protects property owners, and brings long-overdue clarity for families at Table Rock Lake. I’m especially grateful to Assistant Secretary Adam Telle for taking this issue seriously and helping move things in the right direction. I also want to thank Senator Schmitt for being a strong partner in this bicameral effort. It finally feels like we are on a clear path toward a durable solution.”

Senator Schmitt emphasized the broader need to confront entrenched bureaucratic practices within federal agencies.

“For too long, the Army Corps of Engineers has faced a significant battle against unshaken bureaucracies among their district offices. In my home state of Missouri, residents of Table Rock Lake know this story far too well,” said Senator Schmitt. “I applaud the Trump administration, and especially Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, for taking decisive action to break up these decades-old, entrenched bureaucracies in their district offices. This is a meaningful step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague Rep. Burlison on this important, bicameral effort.”

Congressman Burlison and Senator Schmitt will continue working with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that congressional intent is fully honored and that Missourians are treated fairly and consistently under the law. 

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