Kevin Roberts: “I rise today as the Senate considers an issue that is critically--critically--important to agriculture and to rural…”

“I rise today as the Senate considers an issue that is critically--critically--important to agriculture and to rural America. It is my hope the Senate will advance landmark legislation that I, along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, have introduced in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final rule that redefines waters of the United States--commonly referred to in farm country as WOTUS, among other acronyms--under the Clean Water Act. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of S. 1140 and represent agriculture and rural America's charge in pushing back against EPA's egregious Federal overregulation. EPA's final WOTUS rule would adversely impact a vast cross-section of industries, including agriculture. As I have said before, I fear the sheer number of regulations imposed by this administration is causing the public to lose faith in our government. Too often I hear from my constituents that they feel ``ruled'' and not ``governed.'' S. 1140 is in response to exactly that sentiment. As chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, I have heard directly from farmers, ranchers, State agency officials, and various industries in Kansas and all throughout our country that ultimately would be subject to these new burdensome and costly Federal requirements. The message is unanimous and clear. This is the wrong approach and the wrong rule for agriculture, rural America, and our small communities.…”