Barbara Boxer

People don't know, every time you see me, you are pushing so hard.

I have been telling my staff that these ideas are really important.

These investments that we make that are expensive, there is no doubt, look at what happened in Katrina.

This WRDA bill is such an opportunity to help us save money at the end of the day.

Superstorm Sandy was unprecedented. But scientists tell us that storms like this will become more and more frequent.

Like Natomas, there are many more life saving flood control projects around the country that are ready to be built following passage of WRDA.

The devastation caused by Sandy puts an even brighter spotlight on the need to ensure that communities have critical flood protection.

Clearly, the bill before us is my draft. And it is going to be changed, and we are going to work on it until we all agree.

This provision directs the Corps to work with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the options to reducing risks associated with future disasters...

In light of the devastation caused by Sandy and other extreme floods, I have drafted a new title, I am very excited about getting my colleagues' advice on this title.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the communities affected by this terrible storm.

I joined five of my Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Salazar urging him to ensure that certain conditions have been met before drilling commences in the Arctic.

It is clear that we need to get these things done.

I am going to put together a bill, and I am going to get it to my colleagues on both sides for their comment.

I plan to work with my colleagues to evaluate recommendations for improvement of the system.

I hope we will talk about a proposal I have with Bill Nelson of Florida, a bipartisan proposal to push more project manager responsibilities for more of these projects down to the State and local level.

I think it is very important, because there is a lot of dispute about, you know, is this private sector, public sector.

I won't keep you guessing. I agree.

If we don't fix this broken process we will never begin to touch all of that infrastructure that needs upgrade and investment.

Frankly, as far as I am concerned, whether it is a local port authority or private sector business person, my concern is getting the job done so we can move goods, so we can compete.

So is it fair to say--because I don't want to misquote you--that the Chamber's position is this is an important investment, should be continued?

I really appreciate it.

No one thought it could be done, so we believe it can be done.

The Corps of Engineers is a broken bureaucracy, and their process for projects--whether it is maritime, flood control, other vital infrastructure projects--is a broken process.

I have already been working closely with Senator Inhofe and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this bill.