Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the flooding back in my home State of Arkansas and the need for prioritized spending and more Federal investment in waterway infrastructure. While national media attention is largely focused elsewhere, the Arkansas River has swollen to historic levels, flooding homes and businesses, breaching levees, and devastating farmland. President Trump issued an emergency declaration last week allowing FEMA to provide immediate relief to 16 counties most severely affected. This Federal aid is extremely valuable as communities work tirelessly to save businesses and homes. Arkansas is not alone in experiencing flooding. Our neighbors in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Missouri, as well as South Dakota, Iowa, and Kansas have all been affected by flooding this year. These disasters beg the question: What can Congress do to prevent future flooding? More specifically, how can we improve infrastructure within our States to reduce the risk of dam and levee breaches? As ranking member on the Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I hope to add insight into that very question. Waterways tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but widespread flooding has made navigable rivers impossible to ignore. In Arkansas alone we have seen an estimated $23 million in daily economic loss along the Arkansas River. When barges and boats can no longer navigate inland waterways, the entire State and surrounding areas suffer.…”