Voters should care about this bill because it addresses a practical need for the nation's capital. The District of Columbia, despite being an inland jurisdiction, has significant riverfront property and is vulnerable to flooding from the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, especially with changing weather patterns and sea-level rise. Currently, D.C. must rely on other funding sources or its own budget to address these coastal zone management and flood prevention challenges.

If this bill becomes law, it would provide D.C. with access to dedicated federal funding and expertise specifically designed for coastal management. This means D.C. could better invest in projects that protect its infrastructure, environment, and residents from flooding, manage stormwater runoff, and improve river health. If it doesn't become law, D.C. will continue to be excluded from this specific federal program, potentially limiting its resources for critical flood prevention and environmental efforts.