Bill Posey: “I'm proud to join Congresswoman Bonamici as an original cosponsor. For those of us who live on the ``coast,'' the coast…”

“I'm proud to join Congresswoman Bonamici as an original cosponsor. For those of us who live on the ``coast,'' the coast is that unique place where our lives, our environment, and our economy participate in a special relationship with the ocean. In my own State of Florida, we know that about 6 million people work in our coastal counties. They earn nearly $280 billion dollars in wages and produce close to $700 billion in gross domestic product. Life on the coast is rich in rewards, but also uncertain and often perilous. Those of us who live on the coast have known for a long time how important sustainability and resilience are for our coasts. We have weathered the storms of the past and we must do so in the future. Science and research are our best hope for continuing to live in harmony with our coasts. Research can prepare us for assaults on our coasts and help us defend our wildlife and biodiversity from threats like acidification. We must take care of our precious coasts so that we can continue to enjoy the lifestyle and the economic well-being we cherish. That is why I've joined Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in directing NOAA to pick up the role of leading research for coastal acidification. I ask my colleagues to support the COAST Research Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cuellar). The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1447, as amended.…”