Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, the Environmental Protection Agency still maintains a strict permit-by-permit oversight of Florida's permitting decisions, but you have heard me say that thousands of projects are on hold. You may ask: What are you talking about, Congressman Bean? What projects are we talking about? What projects are on hold right now? Let me tell you what is on hold, Mr. Chair: Projects to restore Florida's Everglades and prevent damaging discharges from Lake Okeechobee are on hold; public projects to build sidewalks, improving bridges, utilities, roads, highways across the Sunshine State are on hold. We can't do them. Solar energy projects, including solar power stations and other electric utility projects impacting our grid in the Sunshine State are on hold; stormwater infrastructure repairs at U.S. Naval Air Station Pensacola damaged due to Hurricane Sally, but the repairs are on hold because we can't get the Federal Government to act fast. We are ready to go. We are ready to go. What else is on hold? We have a school in Jacksonville, a desperately needed school ready to be built. It is on hold because the Federal Government put everything on hold. Give us the chance to continue this important work in the State of Florida. I ask my colleagues to reconsider their opposition. Join us and let's take the Sunshine State back on course to bring these projects to light. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.”