Ben Cardin

Well, we very much appreciate the leadership of you in Pennsylvania in this area.

The Susquehanna is critically important. And New York's also a critical State for us on our freshwater supply.

We've got to get children much more sensitive.

I suppose the restoration of 185,000 acres of submerged vegetation will be well-received among those who make their living off of the crab crop.

I think there is an understanding that what we take out of the Bay affects the health of the Bay.

I think you've answered my question. I think you have.

I think it's about time that the farmers are given the opportunity to take a look at, and have more input into, what these different policies are.

There has been Federal interest in helping fund on oyster restoration.

I know the--a little bit of the politics of oyster restoration, and it's pretty--can be pretty complicated.

Virginia was a pioneer in looking at an Asian oyster, as to whether that could work.

As President Obama joined a list of Presidents who have declared the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure, this is of importance to our entire country.

I think it is absolutely wrong that there is no waters on the East Coast, other than the Everglades, that have been designated under that program.

Our farmers have done a really first-rate job in trying--they want clean water, they want the Chesapeake Bay.

There's a lot of local governments, and they don't have the same degree of flexibility that a State may have.

That's helpful. And I understand the aspect of adopting what's in the TMDLs.

We've seen some encouraging signs. You know, I don't want to get too optimistic, because we're still only at 1 percent.

We've seen some positive signs in the last several years.

I did hold a hearing on the Conowingo Dam.

Well, you know, and I applaud you for being very specific as to the goals in many different areas.

Many of you mentioned additional Federal resources, which is something that is dear to all of our hearts on dealing with the Chesapeake Bay.

My commitment to the Bay has never been stronger and will continue to work for the people of my State to protect this incredibly important resource for Maryland.

Well, let me welcome you all to the hearing of the Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

You know all politics is local. You need to work with your colleagues to get something passed.

I really do believe that the Chesapeake Bay strategies was bottom up. It came from the locals up to the Federal...

Toxic. As I understand it, at least some of the original drafts did not have the toxic in there.