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.

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 urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill to protect innocent lives, and I urge my colleagues to join me in this. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is not recognized for debate. ____________________

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

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.

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…

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.

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

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.