If it was to be structured where those grants or those dollars would come directly to the local municipality.

FEMA goes right in to the heart of the crisis.

I am also interested in an issue that I probably will have long years to overcome, and that is to be able to directly give these Federal dollars to local municipalities.

This is a program that, at least from the local level, I can tell you that, granted it can always be improved, but it is something that has worked relatively well from our standpoint.

I have been on this committee since the heinous tragedy of 9/11, on the select committee that helped formulate the Department and this committee, and I am reminded of how stark the needs are of the local communities when a tragedy hits.

I think my concern is whether it would be even-handed across 50 States.

I can assure you Don Young will be looking over your shoulder and Brownsville should be looking over your shoulder.

There is billions of dollars' worth of investment that this thing needs to move forward.

I understand that Georgia has lined up their money, they are ready to move, and there has been some concern by the Governor of Georgia that the Corps is not on the same page.

Congress is preparing--or prepared I should say--to re-engage in the development of our water resources and our infrastructure, to carry out that role, to prioritize the projects and activities carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let me thank the Chairwoman and the Ranking Member for being courteous on my somewhat frequent visits.

By authorizing these 11 Chief's Reports, along with those already captured in H.R. 3080, combined with Section 902 changes for a limited number of ongoing projects, we will support what this country needs most right now: the creation and…

Well, the shifting of $100 million dollars, I think is just a significant concern, moving that away from Perkins.

For the Federal Government to--it is not just in the environment. It is everything we do that happens in Washington.

This is an example of the disturbing pattern of the imperial Presidency that seeks to circumvent Congress.

Unilaterally broadening the scope of the Clean Water Act and the Federal Government's reach into our everyday lives will have adverse effects on the economy and jobs.

It has been my concern that, you know, in Washington, DC, we do a one size fits all for everything.

I think that all of us up here share your concerns, and I think they are valid.