Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act. First, I want to recognize the leadership of my Chairman, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) for his leadership on this issue and shepherding H.R. 2440 through the legislative process. His tenacity on this issue is one of the main reasons why we are here today, and will, hopefully be successful in moving this bill through the House. I also want to thank the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves); the Subcommittee Ranking Member, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman); and the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Kelly) for their support of this legislation as original cosponsors. H.R. 2440 authorizes a discretionary cap adjustment for the full- utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). This change would enable the investment of approximately $34 billion over the next decade from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the intended purpose of maintaining Federally-authorized harbors. This will allow the Corps to dredge all Federal harbors to their constructed widths and depths. In 1986, Congress enacted the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund as a user fee by taxing importers and domestic shippers at our harbors in order to pay for the maintenance of our harbors.…”