John Sarbanes: “I don't think it's adequate. I think that if we're going to be ready... we have got to anticipate what comes next.”

I hope that today's hearing is the first step in continuing that legacy of strong bipartisan support for the Chesapeake Bay in this Congress.

Congress gave EPA this role more than 50 years ago under the Clean Air Act and reaffirmed that responsibility in 2005 under the Energy Policy Act.

Without the strong and continued investment the EPA has requested for the Chesapeake Bay Program in fiscal year 2024, the risk is we could jeopardize decades of work in collaboration towards the Bay's restoration.

It's a national environmental treasure. It's a regional economic engine. It's been one of my top priorities since I've come to Congress.