Mikie Sherrill

I am going to vote for this bill because it provides desperately needed money for small businesses and hospitals. But we have got to do better by our State and local governments. We must support the work of our cops, firefighters, EMTs…

We must take the lessons learned and apply them now.

I want to highlight two key issues I am seeing in New Jersey.

Direct funding is critical to keep the fight up for our constituents.

I am personally deeply concerned that the way this Department of Defense is using its reprogramming authority damages the trust between this committee and our DOD.

Assessments of flood risks today must consider that climate change is accelerating rates of sea level rise.

They need the federal government to be a dependable partner to make sure all local, state, and federal officials and stakeholders are working together to mitigate flood risk.

This allows for full use of the trust fund, which is a positive step for ports infrastructure investment.

I encourage this Committee to prioritize issues of equity.

First, donor ports like the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, need to be permanently recognized as donor ports.

It's our job in Congress to make the government work for the people we represent.

These towns feel abandoned. They've had discussions for decades, but they deserve federal authorities that do more than talk. They deserve action.

Second, we need an expansion of the eligibility criteria for Highway Maintenance Trust fund expenditures to include in-water infrastructure.

I urge the Committee to work with me to overcome any legislative barriers that stand in the way.

They deserve Federal authorities that do more than talk. They deserve action.

We should also promote the use of natural, nonstructural measures, and improve the utilization of expertise from State and local officials.

We owe action to the North Jersey, and the American people.

We can and we should revise non-Federal cost shares and remove other barriers that disproportionately impact low-income, minority, and indigenous communities.

First, underserved communities often need federal assistance to conduct flood and storm damage reduction feasibility studies.

We cannot afford to continue to argue without moving forward on action.

This is my first hearing since taking over the Subcommittee Chairmanship from my colleague and friend Mrs. Fletcher.

These communication breakdowns are costly.

Too often, the flood risks of low-lying and underserved communities go unaddressed, and their mitigation needs are never met.

We can--and should--revise non-federal cost shares and remove other barriers that disproportionately impact low-income, minority, and indigenous communities.

I urge the Committee to consider that Chiefs Report and to provide authorization for the Peckman River project in the WRDA bill so that we can move this project forward.