Doris Matsui: “I look forward to today's consideration of H.R. 2419, which reflects much thought and long-term planning on behalf of…”

“I look forward to today's consideration of H.R. 2419, which reflects much thought and long-term planning on behalf of the Committee on Appropriations. This year's energy and water bill means a great deal to my constituents in my hometown of Sacramento. This year, we pointedly witnessed just how important the water funding included in the energy and water appropriations funding legislation is. And we must now embrace the lessons this year's unprecedented hurricane season have taught us about the essential need to invest in our Nation's flood control infrastructure, dollars that are necessary to examine, maintain and strengthen our levee and dam systems. Federal officials must look expeditiously at the significant role infrastructure plays to reduce catastrophic loss in a flood event. I commend the committee for calling on the Corps of Engineers to identify and create a list of the Nation's 10 most critical water resource needs in the country. While hurricane season has ended, the flooding season in Sacramento and all of California will begin shortly. And as I have consistently spoken about the unacceptable risk of flooding my constituents face, I am certain you understand the concern I have about this upcoming season. Despite years of dedicated efforts, Sacramento still remains one of the most flood-prone and threatened cities in the country, paling in comparison to the level of protection enjoyed by other river cities. According to the U.S.…”