Ben Cardin

I have always been impressed by the States that do not border the Chesapeake Bay, with their commitment and understanding how important their freshwater supply to the Bay is.

It is certainly my intent that there would be updates on the standards based upon science.

I believe that it would be found to be unconstitutional because under the Tenth Amendment, Congress doesn't have the authority to commandeer State legislatures.

I do believe this is probably the most profoundly important piece of legislation yet.

The bottom line is the Bay is in trouble today, and we have got to do a better job.

Oh, absolutely. Those letters also will be included in the record.

We have received 28 letters in support of S. 1816, the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act.

Let me point out, we very much want the States to be able to act and to use the tools that are available.

So you basically believe that the way this legislation moves forward is what is appropriate at this time?

Is that something that can be agreed to? Or will it require a more formal relationship between Mexico and the United States?

A trading program makes a lot of sense for the Chesapeake. I think we will be able to deliver better results, cheaper and faster.

The legislation authorizes an Interstate Nutrient Trading Program to achieve reductions in nitrogens and phosphorus in the Bay.

I applaud you for your leadership over the years, and it is going to take, I think, some additional efforts now to get us to the next plateau.

I want to thank our witnesses for coming before the Water and Wildlife subcommittee today to discuss the need to re-authorize the Chesapeake Bay Program and finally formally authorize the Gulf of Mexico Program.

In the Bay, we have seen the endangerment of the blue crab.

Sediment in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are flowing into both bodies of water.

Both bodies of water are in trouble.

I particularly want to thank Senator Crapo for his cooperation in scheduling a Monday hearing.

I could not agree more with Senator Sessions and with the witnesses about evaluating the way programs are currently working.

Well, you know, these are numbers--I think this is what Mr. Muhlhausen and Chief LoBuglio both are agreeing on, and that is, we need better statistical information to evaluate what works and what does not work.

Your numbers are really very impressive, and I see your enthusiasm is paying off for the people that you supervise.

And I would also point out, Mr. LoBuglio, that your incarceration rates in Montgomery County, which is a very diverse county, a very urban county, is much lower than the national average.

I do not want this hearing to conclude without mentioning housing.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

That seems to be an alternative to what is done in Montgomery County where you have it all in one location through the county government.