Blaine Luetkemeyer: “Last year the United States was pummeled by severe weather that destroyed land, homes, businesses, and even lives.…”

“Last year the United States was pummeled by severe weather that destroyed land, homes, businesses, and even lives. Families living along the Missouri River endured another year of significant flooding that left them physically and economically underwater. In the first half of 2012 alone, millions of American tax dollars have gone toward environmental restoration and recovery programs, while maintenance of our Nation's infrastructure has been neglected. President Obama, in his fiscal year 2013 budget, requested more than $90 million for the Missouri River Recovery Program, which would primarily go toward the funding of environmental restoration studies and projects. {time} 2010 This figure should alarm all of my colleagues. In fiscal year 2012, the President requested $70 million for this program. These are staggering increases from the $50 million request that was seen in fiscal year 2008, and the Corps has little to show for its increased spending. Moreover, the fiscal year 2013 request dwarfs the insufficient $7.8 million requested for the entire Bank Stabilization and Navigation Program from Sioux City to the mouth of the Missouri. I do not take for granted the importance of river ecosystems. I grew up along the Missouri River, as did so many of the people I represent. Yet, we have reached a point in our Nation at which we value the welfare of fish and birds more than the welfare of our fellow human beings. Our priorities are backwards, Mr. Chairman.…”