Bill Nelson: “I rise to speak in support of the Water Resources Development Act. I congratulate Senator Boxer and Senator Vitter for…”

“I rise to speak in support of the Water Resources Development Act. I congratulate Senator Boxer and Senator Vitter for showing how two Senators of opposite parties can work together, which is something that is sorely needed around here. I thank them for clearing the amendment Senator Blunt and I offered on resilient construction, to study the need to improve our infrastructure in order to withstand extreme weather conditions and events such as hurricanes. The last time we passed a water bill was back in 2007. The gridlock the American people are seeing so much of now is part of what has delayed us passing a new water bill--and the controversy over earmarks. But all of this inaction since 2007 puts our ports, beaches, and environmental restoration projects such as the Everglades restoration in jeopardy. This water bill is going to authorize new flood protection, navigation, and specific restoration projects which are so important to our State of Florida, such as Everglades restoration. Also this bill is going to authorize important updates to our Nation's ports. Our ports obviously are a main part of the economic engine of this country. All of these projects are now in this bill and will be able to proceed. This Senate water bill means good news for Florida's beaches, waterways, ports, and the Everglades.…”