Connie Mack: “I will only take a moment of the Senate's time today--prior to the vote on the Water Resources Development Act-- to…”

“I will only take a moment of the Senate's time today--prior to the vote on the Water Resources Development Act-- to acknowledge the importance of this moment and the action the Senate will take today to restore and preserve America's Everglades. My colleague, Senator Graham, and I have worked for eight years to bring this bill to the floor and it gives me great satisfaction that today it will be approved by the Senate. I want especially to thank Chairman Smith for his dedication to this effort over the past few months. He has worked side-by-side with us to develop the consensus product we're voting on today. As we developed this legislation, he and his staff provided valuable input into the process and we appreciate the long hours they put in on our behalf. Further, I want to--once again--acknowledge my colleague, Senator Graham. He has worked on Everglades issues for years--even prior to his time in the Senate--and it has been a pleasure to work with him over the years as we worked on the legislation before us. The Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, and the Council on Environmental Quality have worked long hours to turn this bill into reality. I appreciate the support of these agencies throughout the process and for the proof--once again--that saving the Everglades is not a partisan issue. And finally, I want to acknowledge the hard work and steadfast support of Governor Bush.”