Doris Matsui: “today we consider the rule governing debate for the energy and water appropriations bill. The issues of energy and water…”

“today we consider the rule governing debate for the energy and water appropriations bill. The issues of energy and water are always important, but this year these issues are front and center of our national dialogue. Over the past 9 months, the American people have seen the direct impact of water infrastructure on their day-to-day lives, from Hurricane Katrina's devastation of New Orleans and the gulf coast to the worst flooding the New England States have experienced in 70 years, and just this week NOAA announced the upcoming hurricane season will bring an increase in strong storms reaching land, category 3 and above. In our communities, in our States, and every region of our country we are seeing the importance of flood protection. But we are also witnessing the growing strain on our already fragile water infrastructure. Yet even with this added pressure, our Nation's civil works programs do not see a corresponding increase in funding. These projects provide critical protections and we need to make investing in them a priority. On repeated occasions you have heard me discuss the critical need to improve flood protection in my hometown of Sacramento. {time} 2130 In terms of lives and property, I recognize what is at stake. Sacramento has the dubious distinction of being the most at-risk river city in the Nation. I certainly understand the heightened concern that arrives with each rainfall.…”