Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4402, the Inland Waters Security Review Act sponsored by my friend and colleague, the ranking member of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, Representative Debbie Lesko. H.R. 4402 will improve the security awareness of the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Coast Guard for threats and vulnerabilities on America's inland water systems. These important arteries for commerce face unique challenges related to illegal drugs and smuggling. It is important that the Coast Guard continues to work diligently with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges. This legislation would also ensure that Federal authorities are working in close partnership with their State, local, Tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to identify and address security issues related to America's inland waters. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Lesko for her leadership on this bipartisan legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the bill; I urge adoption of the bill; and I yield back the balance of my time.”