Barbara Boxer: “I thank my colleague for not offering his amendment. He and I see this very differently. But first I wish to say I have…”

“I thank my colleague for not offering his amendment. He and I see this very differently. But first I wish to say I have committed to a hearing. I told my colleague he can get as much time as he wants, but I have to correct the record. My colleague said this project delivery reform was a last minute addition. Project delivery reform was in the bill as it was voted out of committee, without a dissenting vote. Let me reiterate: This is not a last minute issue. Project delivery reform was in the bill when it got voted out. Here is why--two reasons. One is projects are being delayed--environmental projects, flood control projects; they are being delayed. Some delay is necessary--when there is new information--and they could still have a delay. What we do in this bill--and it has been changed for the better, I think my colleague is right on that--is we sunset the provision in 10 years. For the first time in history, the resource agencies my friend and I care so much about, such as Fish and Wildlife, EPA, and all the rest, will be in the room with the corps setting the deadlines. It is very important that we get our job done. Bureaucratic agencies have to get the work done as well. I think this reform is one we will be proud of, and I look forward to those hearings. I thank my colleague. We will get on with this and make sure this reform works the way we anticipate it will. I yield the floor. Amendment No. 909, as Modified The PRESIDING OFFICER.…”