Political Quotes

“I would like to address a couple of points that were raised. First of all, if these requirements were already being met, I don't understand why the GAO, in 2020, recommended that any investment in federally funded infrastructure should undergo such an assessment. Secondly, in terms of the burden, we have added language to this amendment to make it not a one-size-fits-all. In fact, it will only require assessment when appropriate for the project. It will consider varying levels of assessments that reflect the scale, or the type of the project, or activity for which the infrastructure funds are sought; and it will identify entities to provide technical assistance to applicants for wastewater infrastructure funds to assist them. This is particularly geared toward smaller investments. Finally, with respect to this amendment being unnecessary, I say just look around this country at what is happening. I mean, we want to be fiscally responsible, and I don't think we want to make investments to know that in 3 or 5 years, or even 1 year, they are rendered unusable because of climate change. So this, in fact, is a most necessary amendment, and we are feeling the impacts of climate change right now, and the time is now to provide these assessments. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”