Bruce Westerman

Health insurance premiums are spiraling out of control, patients can barely afford essential medications that keep them alive, and costs to obtain care are outrageously unaffordable.

Our current system of healthcare is failing them. As Members of Congress with the ability to address this broken system, we are failing them every day we do not take action.

I thank the gentleman, my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan), for yielding. Madam Speaker, I want us to take a moment to reflect tonight, reflect where our country has been and where our country is going. I think about my grandparents…

If you look at my rural district in Arkansas, the Fourth Congressional District, there are zero projects going on.

I really look forward to working with you and the committee on getting another WRDA in 2020.

Unprecedented flooding such as this should serve as a catalyst for us to re-examine infrastructure.

We can't afford another year of flooded homes and washed out farmlands. This is a sight that none of us want to see and the American people deserve better than this.

Unprecedented floodings such as this should serve as a catalyst for us to reexamine infrastructure to ensure it is updated and capable of protecting life and property.

I'm proud to be able to work on this Committee that has been able to pass three major, transformational WRDA laws in the last three Congresses to improve our Nation's water resources infrastructure.

We know the right thing to do, and we put obstacles in our way to keep us from doing the right thing.

It has often been said that forests are the lungs of the Earth, but a lot of people do not realize they are also kind of the kidneys of the Earth.

Estuaries are unique and highly productive waters that are important to the ecological and economic bases of our nation.

I think it is great to have all of the different views at the table.

Due to my only daughter, Amie Westerman, having her wedding rehearsal dinner on Friday, May 17, 2019, I will not be present for the vote on H.R. 5, The Equality Act. Had I been present for the vote, I would have recorded a Nay vote…

One issue that is very important to me--and I think it is important to all members of this Committee, regardless of party--is the devastating wildfires that we have seen.

Because, as we know--and we have talked about some constitutional issues in here--article 1 says that budgeting is the responsibility of the Congress, and the Congress has no budget.

We talk a lot about things that I am not sure are doing a lot of good for the country, and we fail to look at the good things that have been done.

As we know--and we have talked about some constitutional issues in here--article 1 says that budgeting is the responsibility of the Congress.

I commend the Administration for at least putting a budget suggestion together.

The Nation's waterways give producers and manufacturers reach to acquire raw materials and distribute finished goods in a competitive marketplace.

So what are the types of specific commodities that come from those States that otherwise would have a very difficult time reaching global markets?

I'm happy we have such a diverse panel so that we can gain their perspectives on the issues facing ports, harbors, and inland waterways.

That Congress has allowed this to persist, as our needs only continue to grow, represents a problem in dire need of a solution.

Yet more often than not, our ports and inland waterways are not maintained to their fully authorized widths and depths.

The needs of our ports, harbors, and inland waterways are substantial, and they continue to grow.