Political Quotes

“I thank the Senator from South Dakota. I do agree. Today, we are one step closer to getting this strong bipartisan compromise on vessel discharge legislation signed into law. This bill protects waters across our country from the environmental and economic risk of the spread of invasive species contained in ballast water, while also providing regulatory certainty for vessel owners and mariners. To reach this agreement, my colleagues and I did not settle for what was easy or what was expedient. These improvements in the VIDA title have taken a great deal of time and energy, and they were the right thing to do. Specifically, they will reduce the risks posed by ballast water discharges that enter our waterways, minimize the likelihood of introducing invasive species along our coasts and in the Great Lakes, while still ensuring these discharges are regulated under the Clean Water Act. I know the Senator from South Dakota shares my hope that the President signs this legislation expeditiously. He and I will make sure that the legislative history regarding this provision is clear. ____________________”