I thank the gentleman for that very thoughtful comment. I consider myself hardworking. It's nice to have that affirmation from the gentleman who himself knows the value of, and puts in, hard work. Perhaps the best news this afternoon was…

Reclaiming my time, it does not add. That is current law. That is available under OPA. The CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.

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.

Again, the acquisition of replacement land is available and authorized under OPA 90. What this amendment does is clarify that in that replacement you can replace that part of the ecosystem that has been irresponsibly damaged with better…

As the designee of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes), I offer amendment No. 6. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 172, after line 8, insert the following: (e)…

I appreciate the gentleman yielding. I, too, have natural resources--national forests, national parks, wildlife refuges. When fire, as it does regularly, strikes the national forest, that land regenerates. The oil destroys. It likely…

I yield myself the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Minnesota is recognized for 2 minutes.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I have worked with the gentleman and our committee staff to craft this language. It's important to note that these are not taxpayer dollars paying for restoration, but rather proceeds from a penalty…

The gentleman from Washington is mistaken in his understanding or his reading of the amendment that I offer. It's an amendment to OPA. It is not an amendment to the dollar amounts and does not reference dollar amounts. Under OPA, of which…

The gentleman from Missouri, a strong advocate of general aviation, a great member of our committee, has expressed a very genuine concern and has introduced legislation; a bill that was introduced in March of this year, referred to our…

I would just conclude that it's inappropriate for us to impose this penalty on the FAA through the appropriation process. A much more appropriate way would be to deal with it through our committee. I commit to the gentleman that we will…

I want to compliment the gentlewoman on her splendid work on this legislation and her leadership of the subcommittee, the gentleman from New Jersey for his consistent and persistent advocacy. And if we pass this bill tonight, it will go…