Bud Shuster: “I share the ranking member's reluctance to oppose this because my two friends from Louisiana have been formidable…”

“I share the ranking member's reluctance to oppose this because my two friends from Louisiana have been formidable opponents on many occasions that I have come up on the short end. But in this case, I disagree respectfully with my colleagues that the Corps does look at the national implications, and there is no doubt that the gulf coast is the major producing region of energy in this country, so it should be; and it is in the Corps' calculation when they are looking at hurricane damage to the gulf coast, what the impact is to the Nation. So, again, I reluctantly oppose this amendment at this time because I just don't believe this is something that to regionalize it is going to be beneficial to the Nation as whole. So with that, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1715 The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”