Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act. GLRI is a vital program that coordinates Federal efforts among 15 agencies to address the most significant challenges facing the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are among our most precious natural resources and a key economic driver in my home State of Indiana. For instance, the recreational boating industry alone provides $2 billion to Indiana's economy each year. Yet the environmental and economic health of our region is under threat from a host of issues facing the Great Lakes, including pollution, severe erosion, loss of native habitat, invasive species, and destructive algae blooms. GLRI is a critical investment in preserving and protecting the Great Lakes as well as creating jobs and growing our economy. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 4031, which would reauthorize the program funding through fiscal year 2026. Protecting and improving the Great Lakes means making sure current and future generations can experience the natural beauty and the recreational activities like fishing, boating, and hiking that have always been important to our part of the Midwest. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representatives Joyce and Kaptur for their hard work on this bipartisan legislation. I also want to thank my fellow Hoosier, Congressman Pete Visclosky, for his decades of service and his leadership in making the Indiana Dunes Indiana's first national park. Mr.…”