Lateefah Simon: “the Department of Defense currently conducts desalting research at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive RD&E Center in Warren…”

“the Department of Defense currently conducts desalting research at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive RD&E Center in Warren, MI. I have introduced an amendment to authorize additional funding for this research. Desalting technology is critical to our military. Naval troops, of course, depend on desalting facilities to produce fresh water on ships. In addition, ground troops have relied on desalting technologies to guarantee the availability of potable water in the Middle East and around the world. Adequate, efficient, and cheap access to high-duality fresh water will be vital to maintaining the readiness and sustainability of those troops, and those of our allies. My amendment is very simple. It expresses the sense of the Senate that improved access to fresh water will be an important factor in helping prevent future conflicts in the Middle East, and that the United States and its allies should promote and invest in technologies to reduce the costs of desalination. In addition, my amendment stipulates that the Secretary shall place greater emphasis on making funds available for research and development in this area. Madam President, this may not seem like an issue that would be a priority for a Senator from Illinois. But it affects all of us, and it affects the future stability of the world.”