On the recordFebruary 5, 2014
I want to thank the gentlelady for bringing us here today to talk about this important issue. Mr. Speaker, excessive and burdensome regulations have become a pattern under this administration. It is harmful to business and prevents growth in our economy. One area of concern, amongst many that I have and my constituents have in North Carolina, is the proposed Environmental Protection Agency rule which would make changes to the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule by EPA would grant them control over essentially all waters, not just navigable waters as any commonsense person understands navigable waters and which is clearly defined in the Clean Water Act of 1972 and has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In North Carolina, farmers are a critical part of this economy and community. Earlier this week, I had the chance to meet with a group of farmers from Wayne County, which is a large population center in my district. One of their greatest concerns was not a traditional farmer concern that you hear. It wasn't a concern about feed prices or soil fertility or farm equipment maintenance. It had to do with a Federal agency attempting to regulate any ditch, puddle, or dry creekbed within their property lines. This proposed rule from the EPA would take control away from these farmers and place it in the hands of a Federal Government bureaucracy.…
