On the recordJune 20, 2012
The Great Lakes are our most threatened national assets, yet they are the largest source of fresh water in the world, and account for $7 billion in economic activity annually. In my western New York community, the resurgence of our Inner and Outer Harbors along Lake Erie is an important reminder of the relationship between the health of the Great Lakes and our region's economic future. The State Department is finalizing a revision to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada. This important agreement expresses a joint commitment to protecting and restoring the Great Lakes ecosystem. Madam Speaker, I recently joined my congressional colleagues in the Great Lakes region in asking the State Department for the status of this agreement and have offered to host a signing ceremony between the United States and Canada in Buffalo, New York. It is more important than ever before to affirm our commitment to protecting the health of the Great Lakes. ____________________
