Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 2557, the Water Resources Development Act, and I thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) for their strong leadership on this measure. This legislation is vital to my district in northeastern Oklahoma. Among many provisions of this legislation is language authorizing improvements to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. This legislation will allow an extension in depth from its current 9 feet to 12 feet. This extension represents a significant step in economic development and job growth in northeastern Oklahoma. Just the increase in depth from 9 to 12 feet means that barges can carry 40 percent more cargo. Mr. Chairman, there are over 65 industries on the Oklahoma segment of the navigation system providing direct employment for over 4,000 people. The annual payroll for these hardworking Oklahomans is more than $85 million a year. Over the past 25 years, the navigation system has created 54,000 jobs, paying an average of $78 million annually. The Tulsa port of Catoosa is home to a foreign trade zone and 42 countries have traded in our area via this navigation system. The expansion of the McClellan-Kerr system brings remarkable prospects for jobs, growth and development. Not only will this legislation build up current businesses, but will allow Oklahoma to go after new businesses such as Boeing.”