I would like to refocus a little bit on PFAS, that is something, an issue that Senator Capito and I have focused on a lot.

I am pleased that this Administration has laid out a road map.

According to the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, 14 Inspectors General positions remain vacant, 14.

That is a good title, is it not?

I think that is a critical juncture in terms of making sure that there is appropriate reform, to ensure that the next IG going in is truly independent.

So to shut down an Office of Inspector General while the trains are running is inconsistent, in my view, with good government.

In the Navy, we have a term called all hands on deck. You have heard it, I am sure, in any number of applications.

We are grateful to learn how much we already know about the threat posed by some of these PFAS chemicals.

I commend your leadership in making sure our committee pays as much attention to upgrading our Country's unseen infrastructure as we provide for the resources for fixing our roads, bridges, and rail.

Sheldon is a gift from the people of Rhode Island. I am honored to have the chance to serve with him.

It is vital that EPA ensures that science and not politics is driving the regulatory decisions.

Thanks, Senator Whitehouse. Again, thanks for letting us share your birthday, a special day, with you.

The time for action is here. The time for the words, we need action, and we look forward to working with you.

You have been such a good partner to the EPA as we are trying to move President Biden's bold vision for the environment forward.

a key component of EPA's roadmap involves holding polluters accountable through enforcement

It is a well-known fact that many sources of pollution, including PFAS, are disproportionately located near low-income communities, and oftentimes, communities of color.

I would note for the record, my colleagues know I like to call people on their birthdays, and today is Vice President Kamala Harris' birthday.

I am proud that, working together, we have secured record funding levels for water infrastructure across a bipartisan infrastructure bill, including more than $10 billion dedicated to PFAS cleanup.

Thank you for your continued interest and leadership on this, Senator.

I believe Senator Duckworth is ready to join us on WebEx.

I ask unanimous consent to yield back the remaining time on both sides. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. All time is yielded back. Cloture Motion The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays…

reserving the right to object, I appreciate my colleague from Montana's efforts to get the northern border travel back to normal. I understand that this is an important issue in Montana, and it is important to families along our northern…

It is imperative that we invest up front to protect those communities that need the most help.

I want to make sure the Corps is equipped with the resources it needs to carry out your missions and fortify communities amidst a worsening climate crisis.

How does the Corps adapt its design processes with the rapid advances in science?