Political Quotes

“I rise to offer remarks on the Water Resources Development Act today. Specifically, I would like to address amendment No. 4996, which has now been modified and included in the Inhofe-Boxer managers' package. First, to Senators Inhofe and Boxer, thank you for your commitment to passing the WRDA bill every 2 years. I appreciate their efforts to work with every Member in this Chamber to make certain that commitment is upheld. The bill reflects our duty and ability to ensure safe, reliable water infrastructure. In large part, it achieves this by granting greater flexibility to local stakeholders to manage their community's diverse water needs. For example, in Nebraska, our 23 natural resource districts will be allowed to fund feasibility studies and receive reimbursement during project construction instead of waiting until that project is completed. WRDA also includes real reform for State municipalities, like those in Omaha, struggling with unfunded combined sewer overflow mandates. Personally, I am relieved that WRDA 2016 eliminates the EPA's flawed median-household income affordability measurement which hurts fixed- and low-income families. Regarding amendment No. 4996, I thank the chair, the ranking member, and staff of the EPW Committee for working with me in a bipartisan manner to ensure that America's farmers and ranchers have greater certainty for their on-farm fuel and animal feed storage.…”