Fear-mongering, rhetoric, and political posturing only serve to sow fear and division.

When hydropower is improperly sited or operated, it can have major impacts, and we need to bear that in mind.

Although the ingenuity and industriousness of our forebears was laudable, today, thanks to science and real-world experience, we simply know that we can do better.

Mary's tribe in Washington State was gravely impacted by a hydropower project that dried up part of the Skokomish River.

I was glad to do this, because these bills promote private hydropower development, while also preserving public rivers that belong to all Americans.

This was a consensus bipartisan bill supported by folks in both parties, signed into law by that extremist environmentalist, Ronald Reagan.

We should be talking about how to secure more habitat and protect ecosystems needed for populations of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife to first recover and then be delisted.

I give Congressman Valadao credit for at least being honest about his intentions. But when my colleagues across the aisle continuously push to gut the Endangered Species Act, I will continue to defend it.

One does not negate the other in terms of--

I wish today's hearing was going to be a thoughtful discussion about the importance of habitat and protecting and recovering imperiled American fish and wildlife.

At this point, President Obama cannot eat a sandwich without being accused of gross executive over-reach and illegal infringement on congressional authority.

Congressman Valadao, the author of that anti-ESA provision in the energy and water appropriations bill was very candid when asked about his goal. He said it was part of a process that would 'hopefully someday repeal' the Endangered Species…