Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, first, let me applaud the chairman's efforts and dedication to moving this reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. Continued investment in water infrastructure projects is critical to my constituents and communities all over the country who rely on water infrastructure to protect our communities and to strengthen the competitiveness of private enterprise. The amendment I am offering today builds upon past successes of the chairman and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It seeks to amend the Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act, or WIFIA, so that it will better address the problem of groundwater depletion, an issue that is becoming more and more widespread throughout communities all over the United States. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, groundwater is the source of drinking water for about half of the total U.S. population and nearly all of the rural population. USGS also estimates that groundwater provides over 50 billion gallons per day for agricultural needs. In order to ensure adequate water availability for our communities and our farmers, it is vital to advance infrastructure projects that produce pressure on aquifers that supply groundwater. In many parts of the country, water availability is at risk due to rates of groundwater pumping that outpace the ability of regional aquifers to recharge. The problem has only grown worse with the recent onslaught of widespread drought.…”