John Sarbanes: “I think there have been very reasonable efforts to reach an accommodation. They have not really gotten anywhere. If the…”

I thank Representative Ramirez for yielding. I salute the Progressive Congressional Caucus for pulling together this Special Order to talk about the importance of strengthening our democracy. You are absolutely right to begin the…

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding her time. I thank Chair Westerman and his staff for working with Congressman Mfume and the whole Maryland delegation over the last few months. It has been a pleasure. I appreciate very much the work to…

I do also want to commend my colleague, Representative Blunt Rochester, for the work that she has been doing.

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.