Political Quotes

“I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this year's bipartisan Water Resources Development Act. Our country was built on an elaborate system of inland waterways, ports, and harbors to facilitate trade and transportation. And nearly every community in our country relies on open waterways to move their products. My district is no exception. We are home to the Port of Huntington Tri-State on the Ohio River. This interconnected water system creates jobs and ensures that Appalachia remains a competitive region of economic growth. As we rethink and reform America's supply chains post-COVID, we must continue to open, update, and modernize key water infrastructure to maintain safety and efficiency. WRDA investments secure this mission. WRDA also delivers protection from hurricanes and flooding. In my district in southern West Virginia, we saw disaster strike in 2016 when our dams overflowed, and our rivers tore through many vibrant communities. As we recover and rebuild, we must also prepare for the future. If we pass this bill, we can double the funding for flood protection in central West Virginia and triple the funding in southern West Virginia. The vast majority of American communities lie along key U.S. waterways. And while I work for my district, countless others will also see increased protections. Mr. Speaker, for the good of our country, I implore my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr.…”