Dianne Feinstein

You have a responsibility. I have a responsibility. The White House has a responsibility.

The Administration has all of the clout. Therefore, it has the responsibility.

Well, let me ask you, is there any way for the Administration to propose, award a bill, for the highest priority projects in the country based on protection of life and property?

So summarize that. What does that mean to you?

In order to sustain the program, it is critical that the WAP maintain adequate funding.

WAP is still as relevant now as it was when it was formed in response to the energy crisis 30 years ago.

I think we have to find a way, and right now, I'll tell you, I don't know what that is.

It's wrong. It's just plain wrong. I've been here for 20 years. I've never seen anything like it.

The damage is much, much greater. There is no ability to respond to it proportionately. That's just a fact.

I do want to thank the President for including $13 million in the budget request for the dredging of the Portland Harbor.

Our harbors are decrepit.

You know, it's only so long that you can tolerate paying this money and not getting back adequate services.

In your judgment, what would be the amount of acre-feet that these administrative changes could provide?

We are nowhere close to modern.

Our ports are so far behind in infrastructure that it's scary.

I think this is the number one levee need in California, and Sacramento is the capital city.

Every $1 invested in flood control since 1928 has prevented more than $7 in damages when adjusted for inflation.

Let me say from the outset, and I've never actually said this before in 20 years, I am a big fan of both of your agencies.

I don't know how many people they employ. I heard it was a couple of thousand people.

I don't know how they're functioning. I don't know how they're paying for functioning.

If it can't operate, why fund it?

Before we fund something, we ought to know where things are.

I don't know why any nation would want to go nuclear.

Well, the Iranians are doing that, too.

Candidly, I don't know whether this facility can produce or not.