Political Quotes

“I will use the time that I have available. This amendment provides reimbursement funding for treatment technologies that were purchased up to 5 years ago. The program for which this amendment is offered is supposed to aid communities that have demonstrated problems and are economically disadvantaged and cannot afford the new technology because of the expense. That is why we have the program. This amendment suggests that community water systems that had the means and no expectation of Federal funding to pay for them get money for past work. It does not seem a fair use and diversion of taxpayer resources considering the expense of the technology that can currently meet the criteria of an eligible technology and the unknown nature of the communities that might need it. According to the EPA, there are few, if any, reverse osmosis treatment options that are economically viable on a mass scale that would remove all detectable amounts of PFAS. I understand the intent of the legislation, but our grant and loan programs are designed for communities that can't afford the expense. What my colleague is asking is that those communities that could and did make the investment, that they then be reimbursed, thus depriving communities that can't afford to do it an opportunity to obtain it. Mr. Chair, that is why we object to the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…”