Political Quotes

“I commend the Department for addressing the capital infrastructure needs of the Territories and in proposing a formula whereby grants can be increased or reduced depending upon each Territory's performance through evaluation on proposed criteria for financial management and improved accountability. Mr. Chairman, I note that the committee report on this provision indicates the Secretary may use discretion to modify the funding formula to address appropriately court-ordered infrastructure projects in the respective Territories. In the case of Guam, I would note for the record that the government of Guam is under a consent order for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the amount of $200 million to comply with the Clean Water Act and also under a second court order to close the Ordot landfill at a cost of $30 million to remedy additional violations of the Clean Water Act. Given these circumstances, is it the committee's intent that the Secretary should consider these court orders in determining allocations for the infrastructure grants?”