Political Quotes

“Before I begin, I would like to thank Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Kaptur, and Chairman Rogers for their work on the bill. The energy and water bill is the second bill we will consider on the floor this year. Over and over again, the majority has promised a return to regular order. Well, without a budget resolution and a full slate of 302(b) suballocations, this promise has clearly not been kept. The fiscal year 2017 Energy and Water Development bill would allocate $37.4 billion in discretionary funding, $260 million above the fiscal year 2016 level and $168 million above the administration's request. While this allocation is an improvement, the majority's continued dysfunction jeopardizes Congress' ability to meet the significant challenges we face, including many in the bill before us. For instance, the bill does not adequately invest in infrastructure development. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates the United States must invest $3.6 trillion in our infrastructure to ensure public health and safety, and yet the Army Corps of Engineers is funded at $6.089 billion, which is billions of dollars short of what we need to meet our infrastructure needs. Additionally, this bill does not adequately fund programs to combat climate change. To truly tackle the challenges posed by climate change, the Federal Government must prioritize investments in research.…”