I was proud to secure an EPA coordinator to help us resolve this issue, and the Army Corps of Engineers has worked collaboratively with the State of Illinois to address this in the past.

By adding stormwater management to the existing scope of water and wastewater infrastructure assistance, the Army Corps of Engineers will have increased ability to remedy flooding issues as they arise.

I request that we adjust funding levels to ensure that the Federal Government continues to cover 100 percent of the cost of the seven inland waterways construction and major rehabilitation projects.

In WRDA 2024, I am requesting a feasibility study of the Spring Lake Project recommended in the East St. Louis and Vicinity Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Damage Reduction Project report.

I have the honor of serving communities outside of St. Louis in the Metro East region, communities that have struggled with the consequences of inadequate infrastructure for far too long.

The Mississippi River also serves as a vital waterway to growers and producers in my congressional district, allowing them to get their goods to market.

I would love to have your commitment today to tapping someone on your team to help drive this process in the community and help us to get these needed funds to where they need to be.

I have admired, too, how your agency has been responsible for coordinating interagency efforts to restore the Great Lakes as well.

This part of my district also happens to be 95 percent Black, and I think it is not an accident that we have allowed these unacceptable conditions to continue in poor communities of color.

It is great to be with you, thank you for making time to be here.

We appreciate your consideration of the immense positive impact SNAP has on the lives of millions of Americans as well as its beneficial impact on the national economy and our nation's long-term financial sustainability.