James Oberstar: “The ARRA is doing what Congress intended: Federal funds are being obligated at a rapid pace.”

It is better for us to pass this bill now to address the substantive issue, release of funds from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and not delay progress in cleanup.

Well, it is to replace what has been destroyed. It's really just clarifying what is already available under OPA, but making it clear that the funds can be used for those resources that have been damaged so badly they can't be restored.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and her strong, stout defense of the Railroad Retirement program; Mr. Perriello for his leadership and advocacy for the bill supporting the goals and ideals of Railroad Retirement Day; and for the…

We want to protect our waters. We want to protect our wetlands. We want to provide for future generations.