Joe Morelle: “On Monday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 748, providing for consideration of H.R. 729…”

“On Monday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 748, providing for consideration of H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, under a structured rule. This rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule makes in order 29 amendments and provides en bloc authority. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act brings together ten meaningful and bipartisan bills that have comprehensive and necessary benefits for the American people, and I am proud to add my voice in support of this much needed legislation. Increased climate instability is an undeniable reality. All around us, we see spikes in severe weather patterns, rising sea levels, and destroyed ecosystems. As natural disasters increase in frequency and devastation, our communities pay the price through destroyed infrastructure, economic instability, and even loss of life. Coastal communities in particular are experiencing intense climate impacts, including severe weather events, sea level rise, chronic flooding, coastal erosion, and changing oceanic conditions. Coastal communities and economies need to adapt for climate change.…”